THE  LIBRARIES 


iiiilil 


ItlllliliillVIW 


AN  ACCOUNT 


OF     THE 


CHURCHES  IN  RHODE-ISLAND. 

PRESENTED   AT   AX   ADJOURNED   SESSION   OF    THE 

TWENTY-EIGHTH    ANNUAL    MEETING 

O  P     T  HE 

RHODE-ISLAND 

BAPTIST  STATE  CONVENTIOI, 

PROVIDENCE,   NOVEMBER  8,  1853. 
BY    HENRY    JACKSON, 

fASTOR   OF    THE    CENTRAL   BAPTIST    CHURCH,   NEWPORT,    R.   I, 


PROVIDENCE: 
GEORGE    H.    WHITNEY, 

,      ,  1854.  •     ■ 


n3 


INTRODUCTIOJN. 


The  following  pages  contain  the  Report  presented  by  Rev.  Henry  Jackson, 
Vice  President  of  the  Rhode-Island  Baptist  State  Convention,  at  an  adjourned 
meeting  of  the  Twenty-eighth  Annual  Session,  held  in  the  Meeting  House  of 
the  High  Street  Baptist  Church,  Providence,  Nov.  8th,  1853. 

The  following  Resolution  was  adopted  at  the  Annual  Meeting,  June  23d, 
viz: 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Henry  Jackson,  Vice  President  of  the  Con- 
vention, be  requested  to  make  a  tour  through  the  entire  State,  visiting  all  the 
Churches  connected  with  the  Baptist  Denomination,  and  collecting  such  in- 
formation as  may  in  his  judgment  be  deemed  advisable,  to  report  at  an  ad- 
journed meeting  of  the  Convention  in  the  ensuing  Autumn." 

The  Report,  after  having  been  read,  was  by  the  Convention  referred  to 
a  Committee  of  sLx,  to  make  such  disposition  of  it  as  they  in  their 
judgment  should  deem  proper.  The  Committee  at  their  meeting  on  the  21st 
of  November,  after  due  deliberation,  directed  that  it  should  be  published  for 
the  use  of  the  churches,  and  requested  the  author  to  furnish  them  a  copy  for 
the  press. 

In  this  Report  the  author  has  been  obliged  to  rely  very  much  upon  the  re- 
turns of  the  United  States  Census  of  1850,  as  found  in  the  office  of  the  Secre- 
tary of  Rhode  Island.  On  this  account,  and  also  because  he  was  unable  to 
make  himself  acquainted  with  the  statistics  of  the  various  Denominations  from 
personal  interviews,  some  inaccuracies  may  exist,  especially  as  since  that  time 
changes  have  occurred — still  he  has  endeavored  as  far  as  his  opportunities  have 
allowed  him,  to  present  the  numl^or  of  the  churches  and  the  places  of  public 
worship  in  Rhode-Island,  as  they  existed  in  January,  1854. 


7,591 


REPOET. 


MEMBERS  OF  THE  RHODE-ISLAND  BAPTIST  STATE 
CONTENTION:— 

Rhode-Island,  although  geographically  covering  an 
area  of  only  IS^O  square  miles,  and  embracing  857.000 
acres,  has  nevertheless  gained  for  herself  great  honor  and 
renown  ;  and  she  is  abundantly  worthy  of  all  the  cultiva- 
tion which  we  have  in  our  power  to  bestow  upon  her.  In 
his  kind  providence,  a  providence  all  wise  and  just,  God 
gave  to  our  ancestors  this  soil,  and  the  privilege  to  admin- ' 
ister  in  its  waters,  for  the  first  time  in  America,  Christian 
Baptism  to  believers  in  Christ,  on  the  profession  of  their 
faith  in  Him,  as  taught  in  the  New  Testament  and  prac- 
tised by  our  Lord  and  his  disciples.  And  it  was  also  grant- 
ed to  them  to  give  to  the  world  in  the  simplest  and  most  dis- 
tinct form,  liberty  of  conscience  and  illustrations  of  its  ex- 
ercise. The  Charter  of  this  Colony,  obtained  from  Charles 
II,  July  8th,  1663,  through  the  agency  of  John  Clark, 
then  in  England,  was  the  first  full  legal  instrument  that 
the  tvorld  ever  saw,  wherein  the  rights  of  conscience  in 
all  matters  of  religious  faith  were  guaranteed  to  every 


6 

citizen  alike,  and  in  which  no  one  was  required  to  sub- 
mit  to  any  legal  restraint,  except  in  civil  affairs  alone  : 
a  charter,  the  priviliges  of  which  had  been  shadowed 
forth  in  the  convictions  and  sentiments  as  expressed  by 
our  fathers  from  the  earUest  settlement  of  the  Colony, 
as  well  as  in  the  principles  of  the  charter  previously  ob- 
tained from  the  Earl  of  Warwick  by  Roger  Williams, 
(who  was  specially  commissioned  for  the  purpose,)  bearing 
date  March  17th,  1643-4:;  but  they  were  concentrated  in 
this  more  ample  instrument,  the  main  feature  of  which 
is  so  prominent  in  the  Constitutions  of  our  own  day, 
and  they  were  adopted  and  proclaimed  as  a  law  in  this 
State,  January  23d,  184:3,  This  high  praise  was  awarded 
by  the  talented  Callender  to  "  Mr.  R.  Williams  and  Mr. 
J.  Clark,"  when  he  remarked,  that  these  '*  two  fathers  of 
this  Colony,  appear  among  the  first  who  publicly  avowed 
that  Jesus  Christ  is  King  in  his  own  kingdom,  and  that 
no  others  had  authority  over  his  subjects,  in  the  af- 
fairs of  conscience  and  eternal  salvation."  In  its  appli- 
cation to  Mr.  Clark  no  one  has  refused  to  acknowledge 
the  correctness  of  this  declaration ;  and  certainly  from 
Mr.  Williams  no  one  has  any  just  ground  to  withhold 
it.  For  so  strenuous  was  the  latter  for  religious  liberty, 
that  he  would  not  allow  that  any  human  power  had  any 
right  even  to  grant  it,  much  less  to  curtail  it ;  and  hence 
he  carefully  avoided  any  reference  to  it  in  his  charter, 
making  mention  therein  only  of  civil  freedom,  which  was 
all  he  desired  from  a  human  court,  and  which,  as  he  con- 
tended, was  all  that  any  such  court  had  any  just  right 
to  legalize  ;  the  great  Judge  and  Creator  having  granted 
to  man  as  an  inalienable  right,  the  liberty  to  worship 
Him  as  every  one  chooses  to  elect,  provided  he  offend 
not  against  the  public  peace. 


The  guarantee  of  this  liberty,  as  well  as  its  concep- 
tion, we  as  Baptists  claim ;  and  it  is  a  matter  of  devout 
gratitude  that  as  such  we  have  never  held  any  adverse 
opinion  ;  nor  have  we  at  any  time  ever  persecuted  an- 
other sect  on  account  of  the  religious  sentiments  they 
propagated ;  nor  on  any  other  ground  have  we  sought 
to  bind  their  consciences.  And  it  remains  for  us  in  our 
measure  to  fulfil  the  high  trust  committed  to  us  equally 
as  to  our  fathers,  that  the  link  iDinding  the  present  to 
the  past  be  not  broken,  and  that  this  doctrine  by  our 
means  fail  not  of  regenerating  the  race.  And  my  prayer 
is,  that  the  Author  of  liberty  and  the  God  of  Peace,  will 
in  his  abounding  grace,  grant  to  men  of  every  nation  that 
same  freedom  of  thought  and  conscience  in  religious 
things,  which  was  in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and  as  I  hope 
ever  will  be,  so  entirely  untrammelled  and  unrestrained 
in  this  same  Rhode-Island.  Not  but  that  the  institutions 
of  religion  should  be  protected  and  even  sustained  by 
statute  law  as  they  at  present  are,  but  that  no  one  should 
be  compelled  to  worship  God  in  any  manner,  or  to  at- 
tend upon  any  form  of  worship  whatever. 

My  visit  to  the  Churches  I  commenced  soon  after 
your  annual  meeting.  The  greater  portion  of  them  I 
met  in  their  own  sanctuaries,  and  with  the  condition  of 
all  I  have  made  myself  acquainted.  With  an  account 
of  these  I  enter  upon  this  report.  My  remarks  will 
embrace  the  number  and  pecuniary  resources  of  the 
churches  of  all  denominations  in  the  State,  but  will 
especially  describe  those  of  our  own  body,  which  I  de- 
nominate in  their  collective  capacity.  The  Rhode-Island 
Baptist  State  Pastorate,  including  every  interest  that 
now  exists,  or  that  may  hereafter  be  formed  in  connex- 
ion with  the  Associated  Baptists  of  the  State. 


8 

By  this  designation  I  would  not  awaken  the  jealousy 
of  a  single  member,  for  no  one  can  be  more  tenacious 
than  myself,  of  the  independency  and  sovereign  right  of 
every  church  to  govern  itself  according  to  the  gospel  of 
Christ,  it  being  the  judge  of  the  requirements  and  the 
privihges  thereof  in  its  individual  capacity  as  a  church, 
and  being  accountable  alone  to  the  great  Head  of  the 
church,  asking  at  the  hand  of  the  civil  tribunal  simply 
a  protection  in  the  free  enjoyment  of  its  religious  con- 
victions in  due  subserviency  to  the  laws  of  a  sound  civil 
and  judicial  government. 

Roger  Williams  was  educated  under  the  direction  of 
Sir  Edward  Coke,  to  the  legal  profession,  but  subse- 
quently he  became  first  an  Episcopalian  and  then  a  Con- 
gregational minister,  having  left  the  former  to  obtain 
in  the  latter  denomination  greater  liberty  of  conscience. 
Having  left  England  in  the  pursuit  of  the  same  purpose, 
on  his  arrival  in  Boston, February  5th,  1631,  he  met  with 
strong  opposition  to  the  sentiments  that  he  had  fondly 
cherished  in  his  native  land,  and  which  first  drove  him 
to  Salem,  and  thence  to  Plymouth,  and  finally  banished 
him  after  his  return  to  Salem  from  the  Massachusetts 
jurisdiction.  This  man,  thus  sentenced,  in  order  to 
escape  from  a  condition  so  unjust,  secretly  left  his  house 
and  wandered  amid  "Winter's  perils  to  Seekonk,  and 
thence,  when  yet  pursued,  to  our  shore,  (June  1636) 
then  a  wilderness  occupied  by  the  natives  of  the  forest ; 
and  because  he  had  reached  a  spot  where  the  Boston 
Court  could  not  control  him,  he  called  the  place  Prov- 
idence in  honor  of  his  God,  like  the  patriarch  of  faith, 
when  upon  his  deliverance  he  beheld  the  ofiering,  say- 
ing, "  The  Lord  ivill  provide.''  This  was  the  man  who, 
at  the  age  of  thirty-two  years,  sought  a  home  in  Ameri- 


ea,  because,  as  he  had  learned,  he  could  there  have  one 
"of  piety  and  freedom  ;"  and  who,  after  a  singular  ex- 
periment in  the  country  of  his  choice,  stood  when  thirty 
seven  years  old,  on  a  territory  mainly  the  gift  of  Indian 
affection,  and  who  there  advocated  "  entire  and  unre- 
stricted religious  freedom,"  and  that  the  civil  magistrate 
had  no  right  "  to  deal  in  matters  of  conscience  and  re- 
ligion." And  this  was  the  man  who,  from  his  first  land- 
ing in  Massachusetts,  cared  for  the  Indian,  and  feared 
not  when  in  banishment,  to  enter  his  domain,  relying 
upon  his  protection ;  and  who,  as  long  as  he  lived,  was 
as  celebrated  for  his  love  to  the  dwellers  in  the  woods,  as 
for  his  defence  of  civil  and  religious  freedom,  unrestrict- 
ed to  all  who  love  and  maintain  the  true  principles  of 
law  and  order. 

Having  become  convinced  of  believer's  baptism,  he 
viewed  himself  unbaptized,  and  became,  not  an  Ana, 
but  a  Bible,  Baptist.  He  therefore  sought  this  ordinance, 
and  by  appointment  of  the  eleven  disciples  then  united 
in  an  holy  band,  he  was  baptized  in  March  1638-9  by 
Ezekiel  Holliman  ("a  poor  man,"  it  has  been  said,  but 
not  poorer  than  his  master,)  and  thus  on  that  day  was 
witnessed  the  first  New-Testament  baptism  in  Ameri- 
ca, so  far  as  records  show,  or  tradition  reports ;  and  to 
which  occasion  we  trace  the  rise  of  our  Denomination 
in  the  New  World. 

I  write  of  Roger  Williams,  the  first  missionary  to  the 
natives  of  our  soil  and  the  "  first  legislator  in  the  world," 
(at  least  in  its  latter  ages,)  "  who  fully  and  effectually 
provided  for  and  established  a  full,  free,  and  absolute 
liberty  of  conscience."  "  He  was,"  as  Gov.  Hopkins 
affirmed,  "  the  first  to  maintain  this  doctrine,"  as  his 
charter  abundantly  confirms,  for,  as  has  been  remarked, 


10 

he  most  cautiously  avoided  asking  for  any  thing  that  he 
believed  the  king  had  no  power  to  grant ;  society  in  his 
estimation  requiring  no  other  laws  than  those  that  se- 
cure to  the  community  good  and  just  order,  and  to  its 
members  the  peaceable  enjoyment  of  their  individual 
opinions,  so  far  as  they  do  not  interfere  with  the  exercise 
of  the  civil  compact.  And,  that  I  do  not  write  unad- 
visedly concerning  Mr.  Williams'  views  of  religious  lib- 
erty, is  confirmed  by  the  concluding  sentences  of  the 
code,  which  contains  like  his  charter  nothing  except  civil 
regulations.  This  code,  which  was  adopted  at  the  meeting 
of  the  first  General  Assembly,  reads  as  follows,  "  other- 
wise than  this,  which  is  herein  forbidden,  all  men  may 
walk  as  their  consciences  persuade  them,  every  one  in 
the  name  of  his  God.  And  let  the  lambs  of  the  Most 
High  walk,  in  this  Colony,  without  molestation,  in  the 
name  of  Jehovah,  their  God,  forever  and  ever."  "  This 
noble  principle,"  as  Knowles  has  said,  "  was  thus  estab- 
lished, as  one  of  its  fundamental  laws,  at  the  first  As- 
sembly under  the  charter.  It  is  indigenous  to  the  Rhode- 
Island  soil,  and  is  the  glory  of  the  State."  At  that 
meeting  of  the  Assembly  no  man  was  more  efficient  than 
Mr.  Williams,  who  with  his  charter  then  in  hand  re-, 
joiced  that  nothing  had  been  done  to  militate  against  his 
own  sentiments,  or  those  of  his  charter. 

But  in  these  opinions  and  sympathies  Mr.  Williams 
had  many  co-operators.  There  was  John  Clark,  a  phy- 
sician and  a  preacher,  who,  beholding  the  spirit  of  the 
Boston  Court  in  1637,  (being  then  twenty-eight  years 
old,)  proposed  to  his  friends  "  for  peace  sake,  and  to  en- 
joy the  freedom  of  their  consciences,"  to  remove  beyond 
its  jurisdiction.  This  proposition  was  received  by  them 
with  unanimous  approbation,  and  he  with  some  few  oth- 


11 

ers,  went  into  New  Hampshire,  seeking  a  cooler  climate, 
but  on  account  of  the  great  severity  of  the  winter  did 
not  long  abide  there,  but  determined  to  go  South,  and 
on  their  return  left  their  vessel  to  pass  the  cape,  while 
they  came  by  land  to  the  settlement  of  Williams.  Be- 
tween this  man  and  Williams  there  was  then  formed  a 
friendship  that  never  was  broken.  It  was  with  Mr. 
Clark  that  Mr.  Williams  so  heartily  engaged  in  the  pur- 
chase of  Aquetneck,  called  in  164:4:,  Rhode  Island, 
from  the  Indian  Sachems,  Cancnicus,  and  his  nephew 
Myantonymy.  And  this  was  that  legislator  also,  who 
framed  the  code  of  laws  for  the  subsequent  government 
of  the  Island,  and  as  these  laws  virtually  constituted  the 
basis  of  the  laws  of  the  Colonies  when  united  under  the 
name  of  "  Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plantations," 
it  is  supposed  that  he  to  a  great  extent  was  the  author 
of  that  system  of  government  which  was  prepared  in 
Newport  by  some  one  whose  name  was  not  announced, 
and  which  was  adopted  at  the  meeting  at  Portsmouth, 
May  19th,  1647. 

And  Mr.  Clark,— with  Mr.  Williams,  fully  deserves 
all  the  eulogy  with  which  either  of  their  names  has  been 
honored.  And  it  is  delighful  also  to  contemplate  these 
two  apostles  of  liberty,  inseparable  in  their  mutual  at- 
tachment, and  undivided  in  their  services.  To  the  one 
"Was  granted  to  obtain  the  first  charter  under  the  seal  of 
the  Earl  of  Warwick,  March  17th,  1643-4  ;  and  to  the 
other,  the  second  charter  of  July  8th,  1663  ;  and  to  both 
was  given  a  joint  embassy  to  England,  in  1652-3,  to 
procure  the  reversion  of  a  commission  granted  to  one  of 
the  Islanders,  by  which  the  first  charter  was  impaired. 
By  their  united  efforts  the  said  reversion  was  obtain- 
ed, so  that  the  government  was   continued  as  under  the 


12 

first  until  the  second  charter  of  Clark ;  a  charter,  the 
sapling  of  the  first,  growing  into  maturity  and  yield- 
ing fruit  in  twenty  years,  the  shadow  of  which  was  for 
One  Hundred  and  Eighty  Years  the  delight  of  the  land ; 
and  when  its  limbs  had  become  time-worn,  and  when 
the  species  of  the  same  fruit  had  become  improved,  oth- 
er hands  of  men  of  like  conscience  inserted  into  its 
stock  the  scions  of  the  latter,  and  in  ten  years  growth 
we  sit  down  under  a  foliage  more  thick  and  refreshing, 
and  taste  a  fruit  more  highly  flavored ; — the  whole  bear* 
ing  marks  of  longevity  and  freshness,  never  we  trust  to 
wither,  or  in  its  essential  principle  to  change,  while  man 
needs  a  government.  And  truly  the  petition  addressed 
at  the  Restoration  of  Charles  II.  sets  forth,  that  •'  our 
fathers,"  who,  in  the  beginning,  "established  a  mutual 
liberty  of  conscience,"  which  was  "  confirmed  under 
their  first  Patent,"  '  might  be  permitted  to  hold  forth  a 
lively  experiment,  that  a  most  flourishing  civil  State  may 
stand,  and  best  be  maintained,  and  that  among  English 
subjects,  with  a  full  liberty  in  religious  concernments, 
aud  that  true  piety  rightfully  grounded  on  gospel  prin- 
ciples, will  give  the  best  and  the  greatest  security  to 
sovereignty,  and  will  lay  in  the  hearts  of  men  the  strong- 
est obligations  to  true  loyality."  These  two  men  fell  on 
sleep,  each  in  the  place  of  his  adoption  ;  the  eldest  Mr. 
Williams,  at  Providence,  in  the  Eighty  fourth  year  of 
his  age,  having  been  born  in  1599  and  dying  in  1683  ; 
and  the  younger,  Mr.  Clark,  at  Newport,  in  the  Sixty 
seventh  year  of  his  age,  having  been  born  in  1609,  and 
dying  in  1676  Of  the  charters  of  these  two  men  Cal- 
lender  said  when  nearly  a  century  had  passed,  "  The 
civil  State  has  flourished,  as  well  as  if  secured  by  ever 
so  many  penal  laws,  and  an  Inquisition  to  put  them  in 


13 

execution.  Our  civil  officers  have  been  chosen  out  of 
every  religious  society,  and  the  public  peace  has  been  as 
well  preserved,  and  the  public  councils  as  well  conduct- 
ed, as  we  could  have  expected,  had  we  been  assisted  by 
ever  so  many  religious  tests." 

And  unto  this  day  in  Rhode-Island  we  have  nothing 
but  common  statute  law  to  guard  religious  bodies ;  nor 
do  we  need  any  other  than  voluntary  associations,  se- 
cured as  all  other  bodies  politic  are  secured,  by  common 
and  statute  law.  And  I  dwell  upon  historic  fact  to  show 
that  a  state  so  free,  has  been  as  largely  rewarded.  No 
division  of  our  confederacy  has  been,  it  is  believed,  more 
blessed  than  this  State  has  been.  Here  there  have  prevailed 
some  of  the  most  glorious  revivals ;  and  the  records  of 
our  older  churches  teem  with  illustrations  of  great  grace. 
Our  college  too,  founded  on  the  same  platform,  has  sent 
forth  some  of  our  ablest  men.  And  although  some  in 
the  possession  of  this  great  latitude  have  gone  to  ex- 
tremes, yet  we  have  nothing  to  do,  but  to  repair  to  God 
directly  for  his  blessing,  and  we  become  at  the  same 
time  blessed,  and  are  made  blessings.  It  is  in  the  ab- 
sence of  true  spiritual  reliance,  and  the  consequent  neg- 
lect of  our  obligations,  that  we  have  any  occasion  to 
write  Ichabod  upon  any  of  our  walls,  for  the  glory  of 
the  Lord  never  departs  from  them  who  preserve  his  ark 
and  keep  his  testimony. 

The  first  Baptist  Church  in  America  was  organised  in 
Providence,  as  nearly  as  I  can  ascertain,  in  1639.  There 
can  be  no  question  that  the  founders  of  Providence,  be- 
ing mostly  religious  persons,  held  services  on  the  Sab- 
bath and  at  other  times.  But  in  the  absence  of  all  evi- 
dence that  any  Church  of  any  religious  persuasion  was 
established  by  them  until  the  one  which  was  composed 


14 

of  individuals  baptized  by  Hoger  Williams  and  others, 
I  conclude  that  the  Baptist  Church  formed  in  the  same 
jear  of  that  event,  was  the  first  Church  gathered  in  the 
Colonyj  and  the  first  of  its  liind  in  the  new  settlements 
of  America.  The  first  fact  is  acknowledged  in  the 
records  of  the  May  Session  of  the  Colonial  Legislature 
in  1774,  in  which  a  petition  presented  from  this  Society 
for  an  Act  of  Incorporation  is  thus  recorded : — "  Where- 
as sundry  persons  belonging  to  the  congregation  assem- 
bling for  the  public  worship  of  Almighty  God,  with  the 
Christian  Church,  called  Baptist  or  Antipcedobaptist, 
in  the  Town  of  Providence,  heing  thi  oldest  Christian 
Church  in  this  Colony^  and  professing  to  believe  that 
Water 'Baptism  ought  to  be  administered  by  immersion 
only,  and  that  professed  believers  in  Jesus  Christ,  and 
no  others,  are  proper  subjects  to  the  same,"  &c.  If  this 
record  be  correct,  it  goes  also  to  show  that  there  was  no 
Christian  Church  of  any  denomination  in  the  Colony 
prior  to  1639.  By  many  it  has  been  believed  that  Mr. 
Williams  was  chosen  the  "  first  pastor  of  the  Church  " 
which  was  established  in  that  year,  but  to  my  mind  there 
is  no  satisfactory  evidence  that  he  was  ever  inducted  into 
its  pastorate ;  or  that  he  ever  reUnquished  his  views  of 
the  true  mode  of  baptism,  as  has  likewise  been  claimed, 
but  simply  of  the  authority  of  any  person  then  living  to 
perform  it.  In  this  opinion  I  am  sustained  by  Mr.  Cal- 
lender,  who  has  expressed  his  conviction  in  the  words 
that  I  quote  from  his  printed  discourse  in  which  he  al- 
ludes to  this  point.  He  says,  "  It  does  not  appear  to 
me,  that  he  had  any  doubt  of  the  true  mode,  and  proper 
subjects  of  baptism,  but  that  no  man  had  any  authority 
to  revive  the  practice  of  the  sacred  ordinances,  without 
a   new   and  immediate   commission."     And    "  had  Mr. 


15 

Williams  adhered  to  this  maxim,"  (that  the  Bible  con- 
tains the  religion  of  Christians,  and  that  the  word  of 
God  is  a  sufficient  rule  of  faith  and  worship,)  the  ma:^- 
im  of  Protestants,  and  more  especially  of  Puritans,  he 
might  have  continued  an  Anabaptist  all  his  days,  as  it 
is  said  he  was  more  inclinable  to  them  in  his  latter  time." 

In  1652-3,  thirteen  years  after  the  formation  of  the 
Church,  a  division  of  sentiment  concerning  the  laying  on 
of  hands  upon  the  heads  of  new  members  as  a  divine  or- 
dinance took  place  among  them,  and  subsequently  they 
walked  in  two  bodies,  yet  the  members  of  both  adhered 
to  the  same  love  of  freedom  in  the  exercise  of  conscience 
as  existed  in  their  beginning. 

In  a  report  like  this  it  is  desirable  that  we  settle  if 
possible  the  question,  concerning  the  origin  of  the  de-. 
nomination  in  this  country.  As  no  Baptist  Church  ex- 
isted in  America  beyond  our  Colonial  limits  before  1639, 
the  field  of  our  enquiry  is  directly  before  us.  The  exis- 
tence of  a  Baptist  Church  in  Providence  as  early  as  1639, 
has  been  questioned  by  no  one.  But  whether  this  Church 
is  the  first  of  the  denomination  in  this  country,  has  been 
disputed.  Those  who  deny  this  fact  rest  their  argument 
mainly  on  the  following  suppositions,  viz  :  that  the  pres- 
ent Baptist  Church  in  Providence  is  not  the  direct  de- 
scent of  the  original  membership,  but  of  the  dissenting 
portion;  and  that  in  1638  there  was  a  Baptist  Church 
existing  in  another  section  of  the  Colony.  In  event  of 
the  truth  of  these  two  positions,  the  Church  to  which  it 
has  been  from  the  beginning  with  little  variation  ascrib- 
ed, turns  out  not  to  be  the  first  in  existence  in  our  per- 
suasion in  this  country.  From  all  the  facts,  however,  that 
I  have  been  able  to  collect,  I  am  satisfied  that  the  received 
opinion  concerning  the  first  organization  is  correct  and 
that  on  the  second  question  there  is  room  for  inquiry. 


The  division  itself  in  the  Church  in  Providence  iii 
1652-3,  shows  that  a  Baptist  Church  had  existed  pre- 
viously to  that  date,  and  that  in  each  division  there  were 
some  of  the  first  baptized ;  thus  identifying  the  place 
where  the  new  testament  baptisms  in  America  were  first 
performed.  Concerning  this  fact  there  was  no  question 
among  ancient  historians  as  far  as  I  can  learn  from  their 
publications  ;  a  fact  that  chiefly  interests  me  in  this  docu- 
ment. But  of  the  organization  of  a  Baptist  Church  in 
the  town  of  Providence  in  1639  there  can  be  no  ques- 
tion, and  that  some  of  the  members  of  each  division  in 
16-52,  had  been  members  of  that  Church  is,  I  think 
equally  correct.  T.  Olney,  Chad.  Brown,  (ancestor  of 
the  existing  Brown  family  in  Providence,)  W.  Wicken- 
den,  G.  Dexter,  all  elders  in  the  Church,  were  members 
of  that  fellowship.  It  has  been  said  that  this  Church, 
because  Mr.  Williams  did  not  remain  with  it,  soon 
*'  crumbled  to  pieces,"  but  Mr.  Calender  declares,  "  I  be- 
lieve this  to  be  a  mistake  in  fact,  for  it  certainly  appears, 
there  was  a  flourishing  Church  of  the  Baptists  there,  a 
few  years  after  the  time  of  the  supposed  breaking  to 
pieces  ;  and  it  is  known  by  the  names  of  the  members, 
as  well  as  by  tradition,"  (and  this  Mr.  C.  records  of  a 
period  before  the  division  of  1652-3)  "  they  were  some 
of  the  first  settlers  at  Providence."  And  their  succes- 
sors remain  till  this  day  the  faithful  representatives  of 
those  noble  sires  who  gave  us,  in  the  language  of  Roger 
Williams  in  16-44,  this  illustrious  sentiment,  that  "  every 
man  has  the  absolute  right  to  a  full  liberty  in  religious 
concernments."  I  say  representatives,  for  it  is  evident 
that  the  main  strength  of  the  Church  belonged  to  that 
portion  of  it  which  at  the  division  continued,  as  the 
Church  had  always  done,  in  the  centre  of  the  town,  and 


17 

from  which  all  that  has  ever  been  of  any  special  note  to 
Baptists  in  Providence,  or  to  the  denomination  at  large, 
has  emanated.  As  to  the  simple  change  in  organization 
it  is  of  small  importance  in  itself,  for  there  was  no  change 
in  any  doctrinal  truth,  nor  in  any  religious  practice,  save 
in  the  practice  of  the  imposition  of  hands  upon  the  re- 
ception of  members.  So  far  as  I  can  learn,  there  has 
never  been,  since  1639,  a  day.  when  the  members  of  the 
First  Baptist  Church  in  Providence  were  not  the  main 
medium  for  the  transmission  of  Baptist  principles,  until 
1805,  the  date  of  the  present  Pine  street  Baptist  Church. 
It  was  not,  as  in  the  Congregational  churches,  in  which 
divisions  have  occurred  in  doctrines  involving  the  salva- 
tion of  the  soul ;  the  change  was  concerning  merely  an 
external  rite.  And  besides,  in  no  part  of  Mr.  Clark's  wri- 
tings, as  I  understand,  did  he  allude  to  the  baptism  at 
Providence,  in  1639,  which,  as  it  appears  to  me,  he  would 
naturally  have  done,  if  he  were  at  that  time  a  pastor  of  a 
Baptist  Church  in  the  Colony  ;  and  especially  when  Bap- 
tists needed  so  much  the  public  sympathy.  It  is  more 
probable  that  Mr.  Clark  himself  formed  his  church  after 
the  model  of  the  church  then  at  Providence,  as  this 
church  has  always  been  what  that  church  is  said  to 
have  been,  a  "  Five  and  not  a  Six  Principle  Baptist 
Church." 

But  as  I  am  discussing  the  origin  of  the  denomination 
in  this  country,  I  will  not  withhold  in  this  place  a  brief 
analysis  of  the  Historical  Discourse,  delivered  by  the 
Rev.  John  Callender,  in  the  Sabbatarian  meeting-house, 
in  Newport,  March  24th,  1738,  (the  late  meeting-house 
of  this  church  then  being  in  process  of  erection)  it  being 
that  day  one  hundred  years  since  the  Indian  Sachems 
signed  the  deed  of  the  Island.     That  discourse,  to  which 


18 

I  often  refer  in  this  report,  is  a  document  of  the  highest 
authority,  and  as  it  comes  from  one  of  the  honored  pas- 
tors of  the  First  Baptist  Church  in  Newport,  I  use  it 
with  greater  confidence. 

In  his  exordium.  Mr.  Callender  states  his  plan,  arranged 
in  three  parts  ;  viz  :  An  account  of  the  occasion  and  man- 
ner of  the  first  settlement  of  the  Colony ;  a  view  of  its 
civil  and  religious  history  ;  and  its  present  condition. 
Under  the  first  he  relates  many  things  incident  to  the 
settlement  of  New  England  in  general  and  of  this  Col- 
ony in  particular ; — such  as  the  early  history  of  Mr. 
Roger  Williams — his  flight  from  Massachusetts  and  his 
reception  by  the  Indians  in  the  land  which  he  called  Prov- 
idence— also  Mr.  Williams'  reception  of  John  Clark  and 
his  associates,  the  purchase  of  Aquetneck,  now  called 
Rhode-Island,  and  the  settlement  of  this  Island.  Under 
the  second,  Mr.  Callender  gives  a  very  careful  and  minute 
account  of  the  purchases  made  from  the  Indians  of  other 
lands  also,  that  were  in  his  times  component  parts  of 
the  Colony  ;  the  incorporations  of  the  various  towns, 
and  their  subsequent  formation  into  counties ;  and  the 
diff"erent  forms  of  government  that  had  prevailed  in  the 
territory.  He  proceeds  then  to  give  the  information  he 
he  had  obtained  of  the  religious  history  of  the  Colony. 
And  when  he  has  completed  this,  he  describes  the 
condition  of  the  Indians  within  the  bounds  of  the  Col- 
ony, and  the  circumstances  of  the  English  in  regard  to 
them.  He  closes  his  discourse  with  several  admirably 
practical  addresses. 

It  is  his  religious  account  that  specially  induces  me 
to  introduce  this  analysis.  And  I  have  described  the 
main  features  of  his  plan  that  you  may  mark  with  what 
great  care  and  accuracy  he  has  compiled  the  facts  which 


19 

he  has  given.  Having  defended  the  views  of  religious 
liberty  which  had  obtained  in  the  Colony,  accounting 
it  as  the  greatest  glory  of  the  Colony  to  have  avowed 
such  sentiments  as  had  been  expressed  from  its  settle- 
ment, while  -blindness  yet  existed  in  other  places,  he 
presents  it  as  an  example  to  others,  because  therein 
the  principles  were  first  put  into  practice.  He  then  pro- 
ceeds to  relate  in  detail  the  religious  liistory  of  the  Colony. 
And  you  will  notice  the  peculiar  phraseology  employed 
when  he  enters  upon  his  civil  history  of  the  country. 
"And  that  we  may  take  things  from  the  beginning,  be 
pleased,"  he  says,  "  to  observe  that  October  12,  1492, 
this  part  of  the  world  since  called  America,"  &c.  And 
in  a  note  at  this  date  he  adds,  "  I  have  followed  the 
dates  in  the  New-England  Cronology,  where  the  most 
material  facts  are  collected,  and  placed  in  the  truest 
light,  and  the  dates  fixed  with  the  greatest  accuracy  and 
exactness."  And  the  same  care  is  apparent  in  all  his 
civil  narrations.  Nor  has  any  discrepancy  been  detected 
save  in  his  date  of  Williams'  landing  at  Providence, 
which  he  fixes  in  1634-5,  one  year  earlier  than  the  pe- 
riod now  confirmed  ;  but  be  it  remembered  that  there 
has  been  a  disagreement  among  historians  of  high  re- 
pute concerning  this  point ;  but  in  all  others  he  is  won- 
derfully correct  and  even  in  this  also  according  to  Hop- 
kins and  Hutchinson.  And  the  same  care  is  apparent 
in  his  religious  narative.  In  a  manner  similar  to  his 
civil,  he  commences  his  religious  narrative,  and  almost  in 
the  same  language.  "But  to  take  things  in  their  order," 
(their  order  of  occurrence  certainly,  in  accordance  with 
historical  principles)  "  Mr.  H.  Williams  is  said,  in  a  few 
years  after  his  settling  at  Providence,  to  have  embraced 
the  opinions  of  the  people  called  (by  way  of  reproach)  Ana- 


20 

baptists,  in  respect  to  the  subject  and  mode  of  baptism  ; 
and  to  have  formed  a  church  there,"  which  last  named 
fact  Mr.  Callender  in  a  note  afterwards  retracts.  And  sub- 
sequently, having  made  many  remarks  defending  the  im- 
portance of  adhering  to  the  plainly  revealed  institutions 
of  Jesus  Christ,  notwithstanding  the  corruptions  put  upon 
them  by  men,  (referring  to  Mr.  Williams  turning  a  seek- 
er for  a  new  revelation,  by  which  men  should  be  commis- 
sioned afresh  to  perform  them,)  Mr.  Callender  describes 
the  division  that  took  place  in  1652  concerning  the  lay- 
ing on  of  hands,  in  the  church  formed  at  the  baptism  of 
Williams,  and  the  several  branches  that  shot  out  from 
that  church  ;  and  when  Providence  was  divided  in  1730 
into  several  townships,  he  describes  how  these  branches 
became  distinct  churches;  and  he  informs  us  that  there  was 
in  his  day  "a  strict  Association  of  all  the  Baptist  Churches 
in  N.  England,  that  hold  the  same  doctrine ;"  which  As- 
sociation continues  to  this  time,  having  held  its  one  hun- 
dred and  eighty-third  anniversary  at  Cranston,  Sept.  9th, 
10th  and  11th,  1853,  it  having  been  formed  in  1670.  Mr. 
Callender  next  in  order  returns  to  Rhode  Island,  and 
gives  us  in  detail  certain  facts  concerning  the  first  settlers. 
He  styles  them  "  Puritans  of  the  highest  form."  He  states 
that  they  depended  on  the  assistance  of  Mr.  Wheelright, 
a  famous  Congregational  minister  ;  and  when  disappoint- 
ed by  his  non  arrival,  that  Mr.  Clark  carried  on  a  public 
worship,  (as  did  Mr.  Brewster  at  Plymouth,)  at  his  first 
coming,  till  they  procured  Mr.  Lenthel  of  Weymouth, 
who  is  specially  spoken  of  as  a  teacher  of  youth  in  a 
public  school.  He  states  that  they  built  a  meeting-house 
both  at  Portsmouth  and  at  Newport,  but  never  intimates 
that  they  ever  formed  a  church,  as  Gov.  Winthrop  has 
recorded,  although  he  speaks  of  its  having  been  "  gath- 


21 

ered  in  a  very  disorderly  way."  And  from  the  remark  ad- 
ded by  Mr.  Callender,  I  question  whether  there  was  any 
church  on  the  Island,  which  was  duly  formed  at  that  pe- 
riod, any  more  than  at  Providence  in  the  beginning,  for 
speaking  of  their  Meeting  house  he  writes,  "  which  I  sup- 
pose was  designed  for  public  worship,"  and  which  I  doubt 
not  was  built  for  any  other  meetings  of  the  colonists. 
And  also  from  another  passage  near  the  close  of  the  same 
discourse  in  which  he  mentions  that  his,  (the  Clark 
church,)  "  was  the  first  society  settled  in  church  order 
on  this  Island,  as  it  is  the  eldest ;"  clearly  implying,  as 
it  seems  to  me,  that  there  was  no  regular  church  on  the 
Island  actually  and  properly  constituted,  until  the  one 
to  which  Mr.  Callender  ministered  as  the  pastor  in  1738, 
and  which  had  then  been  in  existence  certainly  from 
1644,  and  probably  from  1641. 

Mr.  Callender  proceeds  to  give  us  what  he  has  learned 
from  others  "  that  in  1644,"  as  it  was  said,  "Mr.  Clark 
formed  a  church  on  the  scheme  and  principles  of  the  Bap- 
tists. It  is  certain,"  he  adds,  "  that  in  1648  there  were 
fifteen  members  in  full  communion."  He  then  describes 
successively  in  the  order  of  their  establishment  the  sev- 
en churches  then  existing  on  the  Island,  viz.  The  First 
Baptist  in  1644;  the  Second  Baptist  in  1656;  the 
Friends  in  1656-7  ;  the  Sabbatarian  in  1671  ;  The  First 
Congregational  in  1696,  the  Church  organized  in  1720, 
and  the  one  in  1728;  the  Episcopal  in  1700,  and 
the  Friends  at  Portsmouth.  And  he  closes  his  re- 
ligious history  with  an  equally  particular  mention  of  the 
several  distinct  Societies  and  worshipping  Assemblies  of 
Christians  in  the  entire  Colony,  numbering  thirty-three. 
If  there  be  any  excellence  in  this  discourse,  and  there 
are  very  many,  it  is  found  in  the  correctness  of  the  dates 


22 

which  he  has  affixed  to  the  several  events  described ;  dates 
that  so  far  as  the  Colonial  records  are  involved  I  have 
found  in  every  instance  to  be  precisely  as  he  has  given 
them. 

To  my  mind  therefore  it  is  conclusive  that  Mr.  Cal- 
lender  himself  has  fully  settled  the  question,  and  that  he 
fully  believed  that  the  Baptist  Church  in  Providence 
organized  in  1639,  was  the  first  Baptist  Church  formed 
in  America.  He  first  describes  the  Church  in  Provi- 
dence, not  from  courtesy  as  one  might  be  tempted  to  do 
at  this  time,  (for  Newport  was  by  far  the  more  flourish- 
ing and  prominent,)  but  as  an  historian ;  and  then  in 
the  Older  of  his  history  he  comes  to  the  church  of  his 
care,  as  being  next  in  age.  To  doubt  this  is  to  invali- 
date his  accuracy  as  an  historian,  and  to  excite  doubts 
of  the  correctness  of  his  order  and  dates  in  his  civil  his- 
tory of  New  England  in  general  and  of  this  Colony  in 
particular.  And  I  have  given  the  facts  as  I  have  found 
them  narrated,  believing  most  fully  that  they  are  faith- 
fully chronicled  from  the  highest  and  most  reliable 
authorities ;  and  that  without  any  other  motive  than  to 
adhere  to  what  historical  testimony  establishes,  so  that 
we  may  possess  the  historical  facts  in  our  Ecclesiastical, 
as  well  as  in  our  Civil  History.  And  if  any  evidence  ex- 
ists to  change  the  order  of  these  events,  no  one  will  be 
more  gratified  than  myself  to  receive  it. 

At  the  session  of  the  Legislature  in  May,  1682,  an 
act  was  passed  confirming  to  Newport,  Portsmouth, 
Providence,  Warwick  and  Westerly  the  lands  that  had 
been  purchased  by  these  several  towns  of  the  Indians. 
At  the  session  in  1703,  the  Colony  was  divided  into  two 
counties,  Providence  Plantations  and  Hhode-Island ;  and 
in  June,  1729,  it  was  again  divided  into  three   counties, 


23 

in  order  that  the  interests  of  the  citizens  at  large  might 
be  better  subserved  than  they  could  be  under  the  forms 
by  which  they  had  been  heretofore  conducted.  The  first 
embraced  Newport,  Portsmouth,  Jamestown,  and  New 
Shoreham,  and  was  known  by  the  name  of  Newport 
County,  Newport  being  its  county  town.  It  has  been 
since  that  period  increased  by  the  addition  of  Middle- 
town,  Little  Compton  and  Tiverton  ;  it  now  includes 
seven  towns.  The  second  was  styled  the  County  of 
Providence,  having  Providence  for  its  county  town,  and 
included  Providence,  East  Greenwich  and  Warwick. — 
The  towns  within  the  present  boundaries  of  the  county 
have  since  been  added,  comprising  ten  ;  viz,  Smithfield, 
Glocester,  Scituate,  Cumberland,  Cranston,  Johnston, 
North  Providence,  Foster,  Burrillville  and  the  City  of 
Providence.  The  third  county  was  denominated  Kings 
County,  and  was  composed  of  the  towns  of  North 
Kingstown,  South  Kingstown,  and  Westerly,  South 
Kingstown  being  the  county  town.  The  towns  of  Charles^ 
town,  Exeter,  Richmond  and  Hopkinton  have  been 
annexed,  and  the  name  of  the  county  altered  to  that 
of  Washington  ;  it  numbers  at  this  time  seven  towns. 
The  County  of  Bristol  was  formed  in  the  month  of  Feb- 
ruary, 1 746,  and  consisted  of  the  towns  of  Bristol  and 
Warren,  Bristol  being  the  county  seat.  The  town  of 
Barrington  has  since  been  established,  and  added  to 
this  county,  so  that  it  embraces  three  towns.  In  June, 
1750,  East  Greenwich,  that  had  been  divided  into  East 
and  West  Greenwich,  and  Warwick,  which  had  been 
also  formed  into  two  towns,  the  latter  bearing  the  name 
of  Coventry,  were  taken  from  Providence  County,  and 
made  into  a  distinct  County,  which  was  called  the  County 
of  Kent,  and  embraced  four  towns.  East  Greenwich  being 


24 

the  county  town.  Thus  the  State  has  been  apportioned 
into  five  counties,  which  divisions  remain  and  afford  to 
its  inhabitants  every  accommodation  that  their  civil  in- 
terests apparently  require,  embracing  in  all  thirty-one 
townships.  I  shall  arrange  my  remarks  upon  the  churches 
now  existing  in  the  State  according  to  these  divisions, 
beginning  with  the  County  of  Newport. 

County  of  Newport,  established  in  1729. 

Tiverton,  incorporated  into  a  township  in  January, 
1746,  is  one  of  the  five  towns  that  were  annexed  to  the 
Khode  Island  jurisdiction  by  the  royal  decision  of  George 
XL  These  towns  were  Tiverton,  Little  Compton,  Bris- 
tol, Warren,  and  Cumberland.  Their  first  meeting  for 
the  choice  of  town  officers  occurred  on  the  second  Tues- 
day in  February,  having  been  received  into  the  State 
compact  in  January,  and  added  to  the  counties  to  which 
they  are  attached,  the  last  of  February,  1746.  Tiver- 
ton is  the  northern  town  of  the  County.  It  has  a  popu- 
lation of  5,000,  with  a  property  estimated  at  more  than 
^2,000,000.  There  is  a  Roman  Catholic  house,  seating 
600  persons,  and  valued  at  ^4,500,  and  another  now  in 
process  of  erection,  at  a  cost,  it  is  said,  of  more  than 
^50,000  ;  a  Friend's,  seating  200,  and  valued  at  ;^l,000  ; 
two  Congregational,  accommodating  600,  with  estates  of 
^10,000  ;  one  Christian,  seating  100,  and  valued  at 
;^  1,500,  which  is  now  closed;  one  Free  Will  Baptist, 
arranged  for  250,  at  a  cost  of  ^3,500 ;  and  one  Asso- 
ciated Baptist. 

The  Central  Baptist  Meeting  house  was  built  in  1851, 
on  the  high  lands,  half  of  a  mile  north  of  the  stone 
bridge.  It  is  36  ft. X 48  ft,  having  a  tower,  orchestra, 
vestry,  and  convenient  shed-room,  and  seats  for  300,  hav- 
ing a  congregation  of  200.  averaging  90,  42  pews  on  the 


25 

floor,  and  appraised  at  ^2,500.  The  population  in  the 
vicinity  is  466.  They  tax  their  pews  and  have  also  sub- 
scriptions for  their  minister's  support.  Their  deacon  is 
Asa  Gray.  Their  late  pastor,  Rev.  D.  M.  Burdick,  has 
removed  to  Smithfield.  It  was  by  his  means  to  a  great 
extent  that  this  house  was  erected.  They  have  now  no 
pastor.  Here  is  an  interesting  field,  and  a  residence  pe- 
culiarly healthy,  with  a  water  view  and  landscape  scenery 
rarely,  if  ever  equalled.  The  house  is  placed  in  the 
centre  of  a  county  about  nine  miles  square,  in  which  it  is 
the  only  edifice  of  the  kind,  except  that  of  a  small  society 
of  Friends.    Only  about  j$f90,  of  its  cost  remains  unpaid. 

Little  Compton,  formed  also  into  a  township  with 
corporate  powers  in  January  1746,  is  the  south-eastern 
town  of  the  State,  and  is  connected  with  Tiverton  on 
the  south.  Its  population  is  1.600,  and  its  property 
;^1,000,000.  There  is  an  efficient  Congregational  church 
here,  their  house  seating  500,  and  valued  at  ^^4,000  ;  a 
Methodist  also,  holding  300,  and  valued  at  ^4,000  ;  a 
Friend's,  providing  for  200,  at  a  cost  of  ^^  1,000  ;  and  a 
Christian,  having  room  for  300,  and  appraised  at  j$f2,500. 

Portsmouth,  originally  called  Pocasset,  but  denomi- 
nated Portsmouth  in  1644,  is  the  north  town  on  the 
Island  of  Rhode  Island  ;  it  was  settled  in  March, 
163T-8,  the  deed  of  the  Indian  Sachems  Canonicus  and 
Myantonomy,  behig  dated  the  24th  of  that  month.  It 
contains  2000  population,  and  its  property  is  estimated 
at  ^1 ,500,000.  There  is  a  Methodist  house  here,  having 
room  for  300,  and  valued  at  ^2,000 ;  a  Christian,  seating 
250,  with  a  valuation  of  ^  1 ,000  ;  a  Friend's,  accommoda- 
ting 500,  appraised  at  ^2,500  ;  and  two  Episcopalian 
houses  providing  for  600,  and  valued  at  yf  15,000. 


26 

MiDDLETOwN,  Set  ofF  from  Newport  in  August,  1743, 
lies  between  Portsmouth  and  Newport,  having  a  popula- 
tion of  1,000,  with  estates  valued  at  ^1,200,000.  There 
are  two  Christian  houses,  seating  each  200,  the  one  val- 
ued at  ^500,  and  the  other  at  ^1,700  ;  and  an  Episcopa- 
lian, designed  to  seat  150,  which  cost  ^1,500. 

Jamestown,  which  was  purchased  in  1657,  and  incor- 
porated in  May,  1678,  embraces  the  Island  of  Canonicut; 
it  numbers  400  inhabitants,  and  its  property  is  valued 
at  ^300,000.  This  is  a  beautiful  Island  in  the  Narra- 
gansett  bay,  dividing  the  waters  into  the  eastern  and 
western  channels,  and  is  nine  miles  long  by  one  broad, 
having  an  Episcopal  house,  seating  160,  with  a  prop- 
erty of  ^600  ;  a  Friend's,  accommodating  120,  with  an 
estate  at  ^100  ;  and  a  Free  Will  Baptist,  with  seats  for 
120,  and  a  property  of  ^350. 

The  four  preceding  towns  have  no  house  for  the  As- 
sociated Baptists,  although  among  those  on  Rhode  Island 
there  are  many  families  who  worship  with  the  Baptist 
churches  in  Newport,  several  members  of  which  families 
being  connected  with  these  churches  in  gospel  fellowship, 

New-Shoreham,  anciently  called  by  the  Indian  name 
Manisses,  and  afterwards  Block-Island,  as  it  is  said,  after 
one  Adrian  Block,  a  Dutch  navigator,  who  came  to  this 
place,  was  made  a  township  in  May,  1672.  It  is  situated 
thirty  miles  south-west  from  Newport,  and  fifteen  from 
Point  Judith,  measuring  eight  miles  in  length  and  upon 
an  average  two  and  a  half  in  breadth.  It  is  a  luxuriant 
Island,  having  1,300  inhaitants,  Avith  a  property  estimated 
at  ^500,000.  There  are  two  Free  Will  Baptist  Societies, 
one  of  which  is  now  building  a  Meeting-house  to  seat 
200,  at  a  cost  of  ^500  ;  the  other  has  no  house.  The 
house  of  the  Associated  Baptists  is  a  one  story  building, 


27 

18  by  45  feet,  containing  70  pews,  seating  240,  and  val- 
ued at  ;^400  ; — erected  I  should  think  in  another  age  ; — 
a  house  wholly  unworthy  of  the  Island.  They  need  a 
new  edifice  exceedingly,  and  such  a  building  would  do 
more  to  promote  the  improvement  of  the  people  than 
any  other  external  instrumentality.  Their  congregation 
is  300,  averaging  150.  The  minister  is  sustained  by  sub- 
scription. The  deacons  are  Edward  Dodge  and  Simon 
Dodge. 

Upon  this  Island  there  is  scarcely  a  tree  growing. 
The  land  presents  an  ocean  surface,  rolling  every  where 
in  the  form  of  waves  moderately  raised.  There  are  only 
three  places  that  can  be  said  to  be  elevated,  viz:  Bea- 
con-Hill, Pilot-Hill,  and  Clay-head-heights;  these  not 
only  afford  a  fine  prospect  of  the  face  of  the  Island, 
but  they  present  on  every  side  a  magnificent  view  of  the 
waters  of  the  Atlantic.  Clay-head  on  the  north-east  and 
the  high  bluffs  on  the  southern  boundary,  each  being 
some  one  hundred  feet  above  the  level  of  the  ocean, 
give  to  those  who  are  in  the  distance  a  favorable  im- 
pression of  the  value  of  the  Island  ;  and  could  an 
adequate  breakwater  be  constructed  at  the  landing  on 
the  east-shore,  it  would  become  an  invaluable  harbor  to 
many  vessels,  and  bring  into  market  at  once  all  its 
land  for  summer  residences,  giving  to  its  present  own- 
ers a  greatly  increased  price  for  their  acres.  A  town 
appropriation  of  some  ^10,000  would  build  such  a  land- 
guard  and  make  it  the  resort  of  numbers.  There  is  also 
a  pond  in  the  north-west  part  of  the  Island,  containing 
it  is  said,  nearly  two  thousand  acres  of  surface,  with  a 
depth  of  from  forty  to  sixty  feet,  which  has  been  used  as 
an  harbor.  The  entrance  to  this  pond  was  cut  by  an 
order  from  the  Assembly  in  May  1670,  but  in  process 


28 

of  time,  it  has  been  mostly  filled  up  with  the  washing  of 
the  shore.  Could  this  breach  again  be  opened,  this 
pond  would  afford  one  of  the  largest  and  safest  har- 
bors upon  the  entire  coast.  And  I  am  happy  to  learn 
that  both  these  suggestions  are  receiving  consideration  ; 
and  they  will  it  is  believed,  ere  long,  lead  to  the  elevation 
of  this  Island  of  the  ocean. 

It  is  in  view  of  the  future  as  well  as  the  present  inhab- 
itants, that  I  regard  this  Island  as  being  to  us  a  very  inter- 
esting place  of  labor.  Isolated  from  society  in  general, 
the  people,  of  necessity,  have  little  more  to  interest  them 
than  what  they  themselves  originate.  Hence  it  is  that 
there  has  been  so  much  zeal  among  them  at  different 
periods,  especially  in  religious  things,  and  not  according 
to  knowledge.  But  they  are  thoroughly  Baptist  in 
their  convictions  and  sympathies.  And  if  the  right 
means  be  employed,  there  is  no  reason  why  the  invest- 
ment should  not  prove  a  valuable  one. 

The  morals  of  the  inhabitants  compare  favorably  with 
those  of  other  communities.  In  a  town  meeting,  about 
ten  years  since,  they  refused  by  a  decided  vote,  to  sanc- 
tion the  vending  of  intoxicating  drinks,  and  hence  none 
are  retailed  upon  the  Island,  Education  is  receiving  in- 
creased attention.  There  are  five  public  schools,  sus- 
tained in  as  many  districts,  each  district  meeting  the  ex- 
penses of  its  own  school  by  taxation. 

Newport  was  settled  by  John  Clark,  and  others,  who 
came  from  the  northern  to  the  southern  part  of  the  Island 
in  the  Spring  of  1639.  The  settlers  at  Portsmouth  had 
become  too  numerous  for  their  personal  advantage,  and 
therefore  they  formed  another  settlement  which  consti- 
tuted the  southern  division  of  the  Island  that  gave  the 
State   its  name.     It  contains   11.000  inhabitants,  and 


29 

by  estimation  ^8.000.000  in  property.  In  the  year  1785 
Newport  became  a  city,  but  returned  to  its  original  town 
government  after  one  year.  In  1853  it  again  became  a 
city;  and  the  Hon.  George  H.  Calvert  presides  with 
great  efficiency  as  its  first  Mayor.  The  Redwood  Li- 
brary, 7000  volumes,  under  the  management  of  its  libra- 
rian Augustus  Bush  Esq.,  is  of  great  public  utility. 

This  city  has  become,  during  the  warm  weather,  the 
most  inviting  place  of  resort  on  the  sea-board,  and 
already  many  costly  and  very  splendid  private  residences 
have  been  erected  in  its  late  agricultural  district,  and  on 
the  cliffs  that  girt  it  on  the  ocean  side.  Various  houses 
of  this  description  have  also  been  built  in  other  parts  of 
the  city  territory.  The  relative  importance  of  this  loca- 
tion is  becoming  appreciated  as  in  the  times  of  our  fath- 
ers, when  the  business  of  the  town  was  as  active  and  ex- 
tensive as  that  of  any  other  place  with  like  capital.  In 
1738  there  were  owned  by  the  citizens,  to  say  nothing  of 
the  large  number  of  distilleries,  rope- walks,  and  other 
branches  of  manufacturing  interests,  more  than  one  hun- 
dred sail  of  vessels,  and  in  1769,  the  town  "  outrivalled 
New  York,  in  her  foreign  and  domestic  commerce.  The 
inhabitants  of  New  York,  New  Haven,  New  London, 
&c.  depended  entirely  on  Newport  for  a  market  to  sup- 
ply themselves  with  foreign  goods,  and  here  they  found 
a  ready  market  for  the  produce  of  their  own  states. 
Eighteen  West  Indiamen  have  been  known  to  arrive  in 
a  single  day.  It  was  said  at  that  period,  that  possibly 
New  York  might,  in  time,  equal  Newport."  And  the 
direction  of  letters  from  Europe  to  persons  in  the  pres- 
ent grand  emporium  of  trade,  was  usually  "  New  York, 
near  Newport,  R.  I."  ♦ 


30 

In  this  city  there  are  fifteen  congregations  who  meet 
regularly  and  five  that  assemble  only  occasionally. — 
Among  these  there  are  three  Episcopal  houses,  seating 
2,066  persons,  with  property  attached  valued  at  ^41.000; 
one  Free  Will  Baptist,  now  let  to  the  Episcopalians  ;  one 
Seventh-day  Baptist,  accommodating  300,  valued  at 
;^1000,  in  which  also  the  Fourth  or  Free  Will  Baptist 
have  an  interest ;  one  Congregational,  providing  for  800, 
and  estimated  at  ^13.500;  one  Unitarian  holding  700, 
and  valued  at  ^8.500;  one  Methodist  Episcopal,  seating 
800,  and  appraised  at  ;^&.000 ;  two  Friends,  accommo- 
dating 1800,  with  ^21.000  in  estate  ;  one  Jewish  Syna- 
gogue, now  closed,  seating  300,  and  estimated  at  ^^8.000; 
one  Roman  Catholic,  holding  900,  valued  at  ^30.000, 
and  one  other  not  occupied ;  one  Union  and  two  other 
colored  churches,  have  room  for  300,  and  are  apprised 
at  ^2.000  ;  a  few  smaller  houses,  and  a  Moravian  now 
used  as  a  school  house ;  and  three  of  the  Associated 
Baptists.  We  may  also  add  that  a  house  for  a  Catholic 
School  is  being  erected  to  be  opened  the  ensuing  Spring 
with  accommodations  for  100  girls ;  it  is  to  be  under 
the  care  of  the  Sisters  of  Mercy.  A  school-house  for 
boys  is  nearly  completed,  with  accommodations  for  an 
equal  number. 

The  First  Baptist  house  was  erected  in  1846,  and  is 
capable  of  seating  950.  It  is  situated  on  Spring  street, 
measuring  62  by  72  feet,  and  is  furnished  with  tower 
and  bell,  galleries  and  organ,  having  120  pews  on  the 
floor,  and  vestries,  at  a  cost  of  ;^  10.000,  It  is  a  substan- 
tial and  commodious  building,  and  has  no  debt.  The 
congregation  is  700,  averaging  450.  They  support  their 
pastor  by  a  society  1;axation.     The  deacons  are  Benjamin 


31 

Smith,  Peleg  Sanford,  Benjamin  B.  Howland,  and  Sam- 
uel S.  Peckham. 

The  first  pastor  of  this  church  was  John  Clark,  who 
came  from  England  to  this  country,  in  1637,  and  who  was 
the  founder  of  the  Colony  which  first  settled  upon  the  soil 
of  the  Island.  The  Baptists  of  this  Island  justly  claim 
this  church  as  their  mother  and  Mr.  Clark  as  their  an- 
cestor. In  the  very  beginning  of  the  civil  government, 
a  congregation  was  gathered,  not  however  with  much 
form  or  efficiency,  composed  of  persons  bound  together 
principally  by  the  one  and  the  grand  idea  of  their  times, 
liberty  of  conscience  in  religious  sentiment,  and  its 
peaceable  enjoyment,  independent  of  the  civil  power. 
This  people  "had  desired  and  depended  on  the  assistance 
of  Mr.  Wheelwright,  a  famous  Congregational  minister," 
a  man  of  kindred  feelings  with  theirs,  but  who  for  some 
unassigned  reason  did  not  take  up  his  abode  with  them, 
but  went  to  Long  Island.  Subsequently,  after  about 
two  years  ministry  performed  among  them  by  Mr.  Rob- 
ert Lenthall  of  Weymouth,  a  teacher  of  a  school  as  well 
as  a  minister. of  the  gospel,  Mr.  Clark  resumed  the  care 
of  the  public  meetings,  as  he  had  done  prior  to  the  set- 
tlement of  Mr.  Lenthall ;  and  as  Gov.  Winthrop  records 
that  in  1641  there  was  "a  schism  among  them,"  on  ac- 
count of  the  erronious  opinions  of  one  Nicholas  Easten 
and  others,  it  has  been  inferred  that  they  became  extinct 
and  that  the  distinct  and  separate  organization  of  the 
present  church  then  took  place.  Under  date  of  Oct.  1 2l;h, 
1648,  there  are  recorded  the  names  of  twelve  persons  as 
members,  the  pastor  Mr.  Clark  and  his  wife,  and  ten 
others ;  the  first  baptisms  recorded  are  of  Samuel 
Hubbard  and  two  others,  which  occurcd  the  month  en- 
suing, Nov.  3d,  thus  confirming  the  statements  made  by 


32 

Callender,  "  It  is  said  that  in  1644  Mr.  John  Clark  and 
some  others  formed  a  Church  on  the  scheme  and  prin- 
ciples of  the  Baptists.  It  is  certain  that  in  1648  there 
were  fifteen  members  in  full  communion."  The  impres- 
sion of  several  historians  is  that  it  was  formed  earlier 
than  in  1644.  But  it  is  evident  that  no  other  than  Mr. 
Clark  exercised  any  efficient  pastoral  supervision  on  the 
Island  from  its  settlement  in  1638,  until  his  return  to 
England  with  Mr.  Williams  in  1651. 

This  is  a  venerable  church,  having  existed  for  more 
than  two  centuries.  Located  in  a  place  so  well  known 
and  so  popular  as  Newport  was  for  many  years,  which 
excelled  Providence  in  capital  and  in  the  number  of  its 
inhabitants  until  the  revolutionary  war,  (that  war  so 
destructive  in  every  respect  to  Newport,)  this  church  oc- 
cupied a  high  rank  in  the  community,  and  drew  members 
from  towns  remote.  It  has  enjoyed  the  ministry  of  many 
who  were  distinguished  for  the  purity  of  their  life  and  for 
their  clear  conceptions  of  the  gospel.  And  never  in  the 
severest  temptation  has  it  as  a  body  relinquished  the 
truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.  And  at  no  former  period  has  it 
been  more  prosperous  than  it  is  at  the  present  time. 

The  Second  Baptist  house  was  erected  in  1834-5,  and 
dedicated  October  22d,  1835.  It  is  situated  on  the  corner 
of  North  Baptist  and  Farewell  streets,  and  is  of  Gothic 
architecture,  86  by  52  feet,  having  104  pews  on  the  floor, 
and  seating  1000  ;  its  property  is  rendered  at  ^25,000. 
The  congregation  is  600,  averaging  350.  It  is  furnished 
with  a  tower  and  bell,  galleries,  organ  and  vestries.  It 
also  has  a  parsonage  house.  The  pastor  is  supported  by 
the  income  of  a  fund  and  by  subscriptions.  The  deacons 
are  Sanford  Bell,  Benjamin  Marsh,  John  C.  Barker,  and 
Simeon  Hazard.     This  church,  like  the  first,  has  been 


m 

favored  with  many  revivals  of  religion  and  has  always 
adhered  to  the  faith.  It  is  also  venerable  in  age,  having 
been  constituted  in  1656,  nearly  two  hundred  years  ago. 

The  Central  Church,  which  emanated  from  the  Sec- 
ond in  1846,  has  a  congregation  of  700,  with  an  aver- 
age of  450.  At  their  organization  Jan.  7th,  1847,  they 
purchased  the  Second  Congregational  Meeting  house, 
standing  in  a  central  location  on  Clarke  Street,  (a  finely 
framed  building,  built  in  1735,)  and  entirely  remodeled  it 
the  same  year,  dedicating  it  anew  the  23d  of  September 
following.  It  is  finished  with  a  tower,  galleries,  and 
vestries,  has  a  bell  and  organ,  and  will  seat  900.  It 
has  on  the  floor  104  pews,  and  measures,  since  its  en- 
largement in  1852,  93  by  42  feet;  it  has  cost  the 
Society  ;^12.000.  Unwilling  to  sell  their  pews,  the  So- 
ciety owes  a  debt  of  ^6.237,  the  premises  being  a  stock 
debt  in  shares  of  100  each,  at  semi-annual  interest,  con- 
ditional in  its  redemption,  secured  by  a  peculiar  form  of 
mortgage  on  the  premises,  and  a  policy  of  insurance  of 
;^7.000.  It  has  paid  one  half  of  its  outlay.  It  rents  its 
pews,  the  proceeds  of  which,  with  weekly  contributions, 
fully  and  punctually  meet  their  expenses.  Every  male 
member  of  the  Church  of  twenty-one  years  of  age,  in 
good  standing  in  the  Church,  is  a  member  of  the  Society. 
Its  deacons  are  Joseph  W,  Hazard,  Gideon  Lawton, 
Nathaniel  H.  Langley,  and  Thomas  Mumford  Seabury. 
This  is  an  enterprising  and  thriving  body,  strongly  at- 
tached one  to  another,  and  deeply  interested  in  the  prin- 
ciples of  their  organization. 

The  actual  property  in  the  county  of  Newport  amounts 
to  ^14.500.000,  and  the  population  is  22.300.  In  the 
houses  of  public  worship,  there  are  17.206  seats,  valued 
at  ^240.950. 


34 

In  this  County  the  Associated  Baptists  have  not  quite 
one-fifth  of  the  accommodation  in  the  churches,  but  in 
the  city  they  have  more  than  one-fourth.  "  The  people 
who  came  to  Rhode-Island  were,"  as  Callender  main- 
tains, "Puritans  of  the  highest  form,"  And  quoting 
from  Bishop  Sanderson  he  further  states  what  the  Bishop 
declared,  that  "  the  Rev.  Archbishop  Whitgift,  and  the 
learned  Hooker,  men  of  great  judgment,  and  famous  in 
their  times,  did  long  since  foresee  and  declare  their  fear, 
that  if  ever  Puritanism  should  prevail  among  us,  it 
would  soon  draw  in  Anabaptism  after  it. — This  Cart- 
wright  and  the  Disciplinarians  denied,  and  were  offend- 
ed at. — But  these  good  men  judged  right ;  they  consid- 
ered, only  as  prudent  men,  that  Anabaptism  had  its  rise 
from  the  same  principles  the  Puritans  held,  and  its 
growth  from  the  same  course  they  took  ;  together  with 
the  natural  tendency  of  their  principles  and  practices 
towards  it;  especially  that  One  Principle,  as  it  was 
then  by  them  misunderstood,  that  the  Scripture  was  the 
adequate  rule  of  action,  so  as  nothing  might  be  lawfully 
done,  without  express  warrant,  either  from  some  com- 
mand or  example  therein  contained  ;  which  clue,  if  fol- 
lowed as  far  as  it  would  go,  would  certainly  in  time 
carry  them  as  far  as  the  Anabaptists  had  then  gone." 
"  This  "  says  Mr.  Callender,  "  I  beg  leave  to  look  upon 
as  a  most  glorious  concession  of  the  most  able  adver- 
saries." The  first  comers  to  this  Island  being  absorbed 
in  the  great  Principle  of  their  day,  (for  an  adherence  to 
which  many  of  them  had  been  excommunicated  from 
their  churches  in  Massachusetts,)  were  led  in  their 
religious  course  to  a  result  perfectly  natural,  the  grad- 
ual and  in  the  end  full  reception  of  Baptist  senti- 
ments.    And  hence  it  is  that  there  is  not  for  more  than 


35 

sixty  years  after  their  settlement,  a  record  or  a  tradition 
of  a  pedo-baptism,  nor  any  evidence  that  any  other  bap- 
tism than  that  of  the  New  Testament  was  administered 
until  after  the  close  of  the  seventeenth  century,  when 
Congregationalists  and  Episcopalians  began  to  come  in. 

And  most  sincerely  do  we  hope  for  the  continuance 
and  increase  of  a  representation  of  these  early  and  truth- 
seeking  settlers  in  a  section  so  rich  in  natural  scenery, 
and  so  justly  celebrated  for  its  salubrious  climate  ; 
where  too  so  much  interest  is  felt  in  education  and  in 
morals,  although  much  abounding  fashionable  dissipa- 
tion is  tolerated  by  many.  We  need  in  this  garden  of 
nature,  faithful  representatives  who  will  successfully 
urge  the  claims  of  the  gospel.  But  it  is  a  matter  of  de- 
vout gratitude  to  Almighty  God,  that  so  much  of  the 
ministry  as  is  now  performed  within  this  County  is 
marked  with  such  discriminating  truth,  although  they 
sympathise  not  with  us  in  the  divine  ordinance  of  bap- 
tism, and  do  not  use  its  abundant  waters  for  the  emble- 
matical burial  of  converts  with  Christ,  "  born  not  of 
blood,  nor  of  the  will  of  the  flesh,  nor  of  the  will  of  man, 
but  of  God." 

Leaving  New  Shoreham  the  28th  of  July,  the  next 
day  I  visited  Wickford,  and  thus  entered  what  was  de- 
nominated in  June  1729,  Kings  County,  but  which  in 
October  1781  was  changed  by  an  Act  of  the  Legis- 
lature to  its  present  designation, 

Washington  County,  Incorpokated  in  1779  and  1781. 

As  the  occasion  and  the  reasons  for  this  Act  were 
peculiar  and  also  the  year  itself  memorable  in  the  an- 
nals of  our  American  history,  I  transcribe  the  entire 
record  as  found  in  the  Schedule  for  that  period.     The 


^6 

General  Assembly  were  then  in  session  at  Kingston,  the 
County  town ;  the  act  stands  unaccompanied  by  any 
explanation,  and  reads  as  follows,  viz  : 

"  Whereas  since  the  Declaration  of  the  Independence 
of  the  United  States  of  America,  it  becomes  the  wisdom 
of  the  rising  Republic  to  obliterate,  as  far  as  may  be, 
every  Trace  and  Idea  of  that  Government  which  threat- 
ened our  destruction — 

"  Be  it  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly,  and  by  the 
Authority  thereof  it  is  hereby  enacted, 

That  the  Name  of  King's  County,  by  which  the  South- 
ernmost County  in  this  State  was  heretofore  distinguish- 
ed, shall  forever  hereafter  cease  :  And  that,  in  perpetual 
and  grateful  Remembrance  of  the  eminent  and  most 
distinguished  Services,  and  heroic  Actions,  of  the  illus- 
trious Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Forces  of  the  United 
States  of  America,  the  said  County  shall  forever  hereafter 
be  known  and  called,  in  all  legislative  Acts,  legal  Pro- 
ceedings, Convenances,  &c.  by  the  Name  and  Style  of 
Washington." 

And  the  citizens  of  the  Kingstons,  having  had  the 
name  of  Washington  conferred  up'on  the  County,  have 
felt,  as  I  infer  from  their  silence  on  this  subject,  that  no 
harm  can  befall  them,  if  the  Colonial  designations  of  their 
towns  remain. 

This  County  originally,  when  a  Colony,  embraced  two 
of  the  Providence  plantations ;  the  first  included  the 
Kingstons,  and  the  second  the  District  of  Westerly. 
Kingston,  or  the  lands  properly  called  the  Narragansett 
lands,  was  incorporated  into  a  township  in  October,  1674, 
but  was  subsequently  in  May,  1722,  divided  into  North 
and  South   Kingston.     And    in   March,    1742,    North 


37 

Kingston  was  divided,  by  the  constitution  of  another 
township,  which  was  named  Exeter. 

North  Kingston  contains  three  churches  of  the  Asso- 
ciated Baptists,  each  possessing  a  neat  and  convenient 
edifice,  centrally  situated,  and  surrounded  by  a  popula- 
tion greater  in  number  than  they  can  respectively  accom- 
modate with  seats. 

The  First  Church  located  their  house  on  the  Post-road, 
so  called,  a  road  that  runs  from  Providence  direct  to  the 
south-west  corner  of  the  State,  in  the  village  of  AUenton, 
two  miles  south  of  Wickford;  it  was  built  in  1848,  at  a 
cost  of  ^2000  ;  it  measures  32  by  47  feet.  It  contains  54 
pews  and  an  orchestra,  reported  as  seating  400,  with  a 
congregation  of  300,  averaging  150,  Rev.  J.  A.  Tilling- 
hast,  their  former  minister,  has  returned  to  his  charge 
after  a  year's  absence.  He  is  supported  by  subscription. 
The  deacons  are  Constant  Sweet  and  George  Allen. 

The  second,  which  emanated  from  the  preceding 
church,  bears  the  name  of  the  "  First  Baptist  Church 
in  Wickford,"  an  incorporated  village.  Their  house  was 
erected  in  the  centre  of  the  place,  (40  by  50  feet,)  in 
1816,  and  rebuilt  in  1836.  It  is  furnished  with  tower, 
bell,  orchestra,  and  organ,  and  has  on  the  floor  64  pews, 
seating  450.  Their  congregation  is  300,  averaging  160. 
The  property  is  put  down  at  ^4000.  A  building  near 
the  church  two  stories  high,  has  recently  been  erected  at 
a  cost  of  ^700.  The  upper  part  is  neatly  seated  for  a  chap- 
el, holding  225,  and  the  lower  part  is  occupied  for  school 
purposes.  They  support  their  pastor  by  subscription. 
Temperance  and  morals  in  other  respects  prevail  in  the 
village,  and  an  increasing  attention  is  paid  to  education. 
They  have  at  present  no  deacons,  but  older  members 
serve  at  the  table. 


38 

The  third  was  built  in  1842,  about  three  miles  north 
of  Wickford,  on  the  Post-road  in  that  part  of  the  town 
called  "  Quoitnesset."  It  is  36  by  46  feet,  has  an 
orchestra,  tower,  and  50  pews,  holding  300  ;  it  has  a 
congregation  of  200,  averaging  125.  There  is  a  popula- 
tion in  their  vicinity  of  about  550,  who  are  temperate, 
and,  as  I  am  informed,  otherwise  well  disposed.  The 
edifice  was  finished  at  a  cost  of  ;$f2,000.  Donations  are 
made  to  the  pastor  for  his  services.  The  deacons  are 
Charles  Spencer  and  Thomas  Hill. 

In  addition  to  these,  there  are  in  the  town  two  Epis- 
copal Churches,  (one  unoccupied,)  seating  600  and 
valued  at  ;^7,600  ;  one  Methodist  seating  150  and  ap- 
praised at  ^300  ;  one  Free  Will  Baptist  holding  150  and 
valued  at  ^1,000  ;  and  two  old  or  Six  Principle  Baptists 
accommodating  425  and  valued  at  j$f  1,800.  The  town 
contains  3,100  inhabitants  and  an  aggregate  property 
of  ^1,500,000. 

Exeter,  a  division  of  North  Kingston,  was  incorpo- 
rated in  March,  1742,  into  a  township  and  called  by  this 
name.  It  is  the  northwestern  town  of  the  county.  It 
has  a  population  of  1,700  inhabitants  and  property  esti- 
mated at  ^600,000.  In  the  United  States  census  of 
1850,  by  which  I  am  mainly  governed  in  my  statistics 
in  every  place,  except  such  as  relate  to  the  immediate 
membership  and  Sabbath  School  department  of  our  own 
churches,  I  find  but  two  religious  societies  reported,  and 
these  in  the  eastern  section,  leaving  the  entire  western 
without  any  stated  place  for  worship.  The  first  is  the 
old  Baptist,  seating  400,  and  valued  at  ^^1,500;  and 
the  second,  the  Associated  Baptist  house,  built  in  1838  ; 
it  is  32  by  42  feet,  and  free  from  debt.  It  is  finished 
with  tower,   orchestra  and  54  pews.    It  holds  400,  has' 


39 

a  congregation  of  250,  averaging  100,  and  is  valued  at 
^2,500.  The  minister  is  sustained  by  subscription.  The 
singing  is  congregational.  Temperance  is  promoted, 
and  schools  for  the  greater  portion  of  the  year  are  taught. 
They  have  no  deacons. 

South  Kingston  is  contiguous  to  North  Kingston, 
containing  4,000  people,  with  an  estimated  property  of 
^1,600,000.  There  are  two  Episcopal  houses,  seating 
580,  valued  at  ^^4,5 00  ;  two  of  the  Friends  providing  for 
650,  at  a  cost  of  ^1,600  ;  two  for  colored  people  and 
others,  containing  250  seats,  at  a  cost  of  ^800 ;  one 
Congregationalist  accommodating  500,  with  a  property  of 
;^7,700  ;  two  of  the  Free  Will  Baptists  holding  450,  and 
appraised  at  ^1,500 ;  one  of  the  Six  Principle  Baptist 
seating  150  and  valued  at  ^200  ;  one  of  the  Seventh- 
Day  Baptists  designed  for  150  and  valued  at  ^700  ;  and 
three  of  the  Associated  Baptists.  There  is  also  a  house 
at  the  South  Ferry,  beautiful  in  its  construction,  the 
land  on  which  it  stands  having  been  given  to  the  Asso- 
ciated Baptists  by  John  and  Jacob  Wanton. 

The  First  Baptist  Church  has  a  house  situated  in  the 
village  of  Wakefield,  on  the  Post-road,  having  Peacedale 
on  the  north.  It  was  built  in  1852,  is  37  by  70  feet, 
and  cost  ^8,000.  It  is  Gothic  in  its  architecture  both 
internal  and  external,  and  the  whole  style  is  pecu- 
liarly neat  in  all  its  finish.  It  has  a  tower,  bell,  orches- 
tra, vestries,  a  fine  lot,  and  a  beautiful  baptizing  place 
opposite  ;  the  whole  exhibiting  an  enterprise  worthy  of 
the  means  of  the  society.  It  is  decidedly  the  best  house 
which  I  visited  in  the  south  part  of  the  State.  There 
are  92  pews,  seating  600,  which  is  the  number  of  the 
congregation,  averaging  400.     The  minister  is  sustained 


40 

by  pew  rents.  They  have  a  population  of  2,000.  The 
deacons  are  N.  C.  Peckham  and  N.  C.  Armstrong. 

The  Second  is  built  on  the  same  road  six  miles  south- 
west, in  Perryville,  the  ancestry  place  of  the  Erie  Perry. 
It  was  erected  in  1845  and  is  28  by  38  feet,  has  an 
orchestra  and  26  pews,  seating  300,  congregation  150, 
averaging  100,  and  is  valued  at  ^1,500.  There  is  a 
population  of  310  in  their  vicinity.  Their  minister  is 
sustained  by  subscription.  The  deacons  are  Joseph  W. 
Brown  and  Edward  H.  Peckham.  This  church  promis- 
es well,  and  needs  encouragement.  They  have  a  prop- 
erty, as  per  tax  list,  of  ^34,000  only. 

The  Third  is  located  in  the  north-west  corner  of  the 
town,  in  the  village  of  Usquepaug,  on  Queen's  River,, 
was  built  in  1849,  having  a  tower,  and  orchestra,  and  is 
in  dimensions  32  by  40  feet ;  it  has  34  pews  on  the 
floor  seating  300.  It  cost  ^1.200.  This  church 
should  lay  themselves  out  for  Christ  and  souls.  Their 
congregation  numbers  125,  and  averages  60.  The  pews 
are  rented,  but  the  pastor  sustains  himself  chiefly  by  his 
manual  industry,  which  no  church  should  allow.  How 
much  better  could  he  have  the  privilege  of  studying  that 
his  profiting  might  appear  unto  all,  and  his  congregation 
be  trained  to  intelligence  and  an  active  piety.  The 
building  is  estimated  at  j^l.200,  and  is  well  situated. 
The  deacons  are  J.  T.  Hopkins  and  Benjamin  Lock. 

Each  of  these  edifices  is  free  from  debt,  and  appears 
to  advantage  to  the  traveller ;  but  it  is  to  be  regretted 
that  there  is  so  little  taste  manifested  in  some  other  sec- 
tions, where  there  is  equal,  and  much  greater  means. 
The  neat  church  in  the  New  England  village  has  been 
justly  spoken  of  as  its  ornament;  certainly  it  is  its  safe- 
ty, if  it  be  duly  improved. 


41 

There  is  at  Kingston  Hill  an  interesting  Academy,  in- 
stituted by  the  Congregationalists,  which  is  now  under 
very  favorable  auspices.  Rev.  Joel  Mann  has  been  mainly 
instrumental  in  its  organization  and  success.  Such  in- 
stitutions, when  like  this,  conducted  in  a  catholic  spirit 
are  the  safeguards  of  the  age,  and  in  no  way  so  benefi- 
cially to  the  community  can  property  be  devoted,  for  if 
we  can  educate  our  youth  properly,  under  God,  we  may 
expect  the  happiest  results  in  society  at  large,  as  well  as 
in  domestic  circles. 

Westerly,  embraces  the  land  in  the  south  western 
section  of  the  State.  It  was  purchased  of  the  Indians, 
(by  whom  it  was  known  by  the  name  of  Misquamicut,) 
in  1665,  and  was  constituted  a  township  in  May,  1669, 
bearing  the  name  of  Westerly,  from  its  geographical 
position.  At  the  time  of  its  purchase  it  comprehended 
all  the  land  at  present  included  within  its  present,  and 
the  boundaries  of  the  respective  towns  of  Charlestown, 
Richmond,  and  Hopkinton.  Although  its  southern 
boundary  is  the  Long  Island  Sound,  the  Pawcatuck 
river  now  forms  its  western  and  northern,  and  the  town 
of  Charlestown  its  eastern  limit.  Its  population  is 
3500,  and  the  estimation  of  its  property  is  ^1.500.000. 
The  enterprise  of  its  citizens  and  especially  in  the  vil- 
lage at  the  Bridge  where  the  citizens  pass  from  their 
own  into  the  territory  of  Connecticut,  and  their  economy 
and  general  habits  will  ensure  it  a  constantly  increasing 
prosperity. 

There  are  in  this  town  two  Sabbatarian  Baptist  houses 
seating  600,  and  valued  at  ^6.200 ;  one  Christian  Society's 
accommodating  300,  and  appraised  at  ^3.500 ;  one 
Episcopal  providing  for  300,  with  a  property  esti- 
mated at  ^5.000  ;  one  Methodist  occupying  the  building 


42 

known  as  the  "  Union,"  which  seats  400,  and  is  valued 
at  ^4.500  ;  and  three  Associated  Baptists. 

At  Lottery  Village,  five  miles  from  Long  Island  Sound, 
there  is  a  neat  building  belonging  to  the  Baptist  Church. 
It  has  a  tower,  orchestra,  and  31  pews,  and  measures 
26  by  36  feet.  It  was  built  in  1849  at  a  cost  of  $L200, 
and  is  capable  of  seating  250  persons.  The  congrega- 
tion is  150  averaging  25.  Notwithstanding  the  Pawca- 
tuck  river  runs  on  the  western  shore  of  the  entire  place 
and  the  water  is  very  bold,  the  village  is  in  the  wane. 
At  present  thp  Bridge  Village  takes  the  business  of  the 
region,  but  there  is  every  reason  to  anticipate  that  ere 
long  active  shipbuilding,  or  some  manufacturing  enter- 
prise will  be  introduced,  by  which  it  will  greatly  in- 
crease. On  this  account  it  is  an  object  to  sustain  the 
church,  at  least  moderately,  that  it  die  not.  There  are 
now  but  250  inhabitants  belonging  to  the  village,  sever- 
al of  whom  are  absent  at  sea.  Their  deacon,  Lyman 
Hall,  in  the  absence  of  a  pastor,  labors  to  maintain 
preaching  every  other  Sabbath  ;  and  on  the  alternate 
Sabbaths  he  holds  a  prayer  meeting.  As  they  report 
their  property  at  ^25.000,  and  as  evidently  prayer  is 
wont  to  be  offered  there,  we  may  hope  they  will  yet  live. 
The  village,  it  is  said,  derived  its  name  from  the  fact 
that  the  original  owner  of  the  land  obtained  a  grant  for 
a  lottery,  and  having  laid  it  out  into  house  lots,  put 
them  up  and  drew  them  out  in  the  form  of  prizes,  the 
successful  tickets  entitling  the  holders  to  the  lots  repre- 
sented by  their  numbers. 

The  Church  at  the  Bridge  is  surrounded  by  a  popula- 
tion of  2.000.  It  was  erected  in  1845,  and  with  their 
parsonage  is  valued  at  ^6.000.  Its  dimensions  are  38 
by  62  feet ;  it  has  a  tower,  bell,  orchestra,  vestries,   and 


43 

66  pews  seating  450.  The  congregation  is  reported 
450,  300  being  the  average  attendance.  The  pastor  is 
sustained  by  subscription.  The  deacons  are  J.  R.  Vin- 
cent, T.  H.  Vincent,  J.  T.  Thurston,  and  A.  Buel.  They 
have  no  debt.  They  are  united  and  zealous,  temperate, 
and  promote  useful  education  in  all  its  forms.  They 
have  an  interesting  religious  feeling  prevailing  among 
them,  and  are  an  able  and  very  efficient  church. 

In  the  north-east  corner  of  the  town,  at  Doorville  is 
another  house,  called  the  "  Niantic,"  erected  in  1851, 
28  by  38  feet,  and  estimated  at  ^1.000  ;  it  is  finished 
with  a  tower,  and  has  38  slips  seating  200.  They  have 
a  debt  of  ^110.  The  congregatioa  is  100,  and  averages 
60.  The  deacon  is  George  W.  Champlin.  The  popula- 
tion in  its  vicinity  is  about  500.  The  Society,  although 
they  possess  not  exceeding  ^12.000,  are  willing  to  pay 
liberally  to  sustain  the  gospel  among  them.  There  is  now 
another  factory  in  process  of  erection  in  this  place,  the 
owner  of  which  said  to  his  Superintendent,  "I  am  not  a 
resident,  but  never  fail  to  put  my  name  to  any  sum  you 
put  to  your  own."  The  village  is  increasing.  The  loca- 
tion of  the  church  is  in  a  neat  lot ;  the  whole  impression 
upon  my  mind  was  favorable.  The.  superintendent, 
who  is  altogether  the  wealthiest  man  in  the  church, 
named  to  me  that  a  clergyman  said  to  him  while  yet  a 
boy,  as  he  was  passing  down  the  Narragansett  bay,  "My 
boy,  if  you  will,  you  can  make  a  man."  He  said  his 
heart  at  once  responded,  "  Then  a  man  will  I  be."  And 
a  man  he  has  become  indeed  in  the  world,  and  also  in 
Christ  as  I  trust. 

CriARLESTOwN,  which  lies  east  of  Westerly,  was  taken 
therefrom  in  August,  1738,  and  constituted  a  town- 
ship, and  named  Charlestown  in  honor  of  Charles  XL 


44 

who  granted  the  late  State  Charter ;  an  instrument  of 
almost  two  hundred  years  power,  which  was,  and  is,  and 
ever  will  remain  the  true  exponent  of  liberty,  con- 
science, and  right.  If  it  had  faults,  it  had  virtues  too ; 
such  as  the  world  never  saw  before  ;  virtues  which  gov- 
ernments must  acknowledge  and  incorporate  in  their 
systems  of  government,  or  they  cannot  govern. 

Charlestown  is  mainly  an  agricultural  district,  but  its 
farms  being  principally  owned  abroad,  will  account  for 
the  fewness  of  its  population.  They  are  to  a  large  ex- 
tent tenants,  and  hence  in  all  the  town,  large  as  it  is, 
there  are  reported  only  1.000  people,  upon  a  property 
of  ;$3 22.000.  Within  the  boundaries  of  this  town  is 
the  Indian  settlement,  the  last  of  the  powerful  Narra- 
gansetts,  real  or  mixed,  numbering  however  at  this  time 
not  more  than  one  hundred  souls.  Their  house  of  wor- 
ship seats  150,  and  is  valued  at  ^^200.  There  is  also  a 
Free  will  Baptist  house  seating  250,  and  valued  at 
;$fl.500. 

The  Associated  Baptist  Meeting-house  was  built  in 
1840  on  the  post  road  eight  miles  south-west  from  the 
Second  South  Kingston  church,  and  is  in  dimensions  34 
by  40  feet ;  having  an  orchestra  and  40  pews,  the  whole 
valued  at  ;^1.500.  It  is  a  neat  building,  having  a  large 
open  lot,  and  is  well  situated.  It  will  seat  300,  and  is 
not  in  debt.  The  congregation  is  100,  averaging  75. 
The  deacon  is  Bowen  Briggs.  Some  350  people  live  in 
the  region  of  the  house  ;  a  region  sadly  injured  by  the 
use  of  spirituous  liquors,  as  too  many  of  our  towns  and 
cities  bear  fearful  and  appalling  evidence  ;  but  neverthe- 
less the  people  there  should  be  encouraged ;  our  ef- 
forts in  this  place  we  have  reason  to  hope  will  not  be  in 
vain. 


45 

North  and  South  Kingston  and  the  two  preceding 
towns  lie  upon  the  Narragansett  Bay  and  Long  Island 
Sound,  and  afford  beautiful  scenery.  The  large  ponds 
of  water  flowing  in  from  the  ocean,  that  stretch  along 
the  southern  boundary  of  Charlestown,  are  objects  of 
great  interest.  And  when  the  permanent  inhabitants 
shall  become  the  owners  of  the  large  and  fertile  farms 
that  lie  upon  their  shores,  as  I  think  they  ultimately 
will,  we  may  look  for  better  religous  influences  in  this 
section.  The  Convention  has  done  a  good  and  most 
valuable  service  for  this  entire  line,  and  the  pastor  is 
prudently,  but  efliciently  carrying  out  its  instructions. 

Richmond  was  a  part  of  Charlestown  until  incorpor- 
ated into  a  separate  township  in  August,  17-i7  ;  it  con- 
tains a  population  of  1.800,  with  a  property  appraised 
at  ;$f600.000.  There  is  a  Seventh-day  Baptist  house 
seating  450,  and  valued  at  1.600  and  a  Six  Principle  or 
General  Baptist,  accommodating  500,  with  a  valuation 
of  1.500. 

The  Associated  Baptist  house,  measuring  30  by  38 
feet,  is  put  down  as  seating  400,  and  at  a  value  of  ^1000, 
much  more  than  it  is  worth,  unless  this  is  the  appraisal 
of  its  lot  of  ground.  It  was  erected  in  1785,  and  is 
tottering  through  the  infirmities  of  age,  not  having  been 
nursed  in  its  strength.  Either  it  was  built  in  the  woods, 
a  mile  and  more  from  the  present  villages,  or  else  the 
people  have  removed  from  it;  certainly  it  should  be  taken 
down,  having  served  its  generations  sufficiently,  and  a 
new  one  put  up  in  the  neighborhood  of  Kenyon's, 
Clark's,  and  Shannock's  mills,  three  villages  in  near 
proximity  with  each  other,  having  together  at  least  600 
people  within  their  influence,  but  where  there  is  no 
house  of  public  worship.     The  minister  is  sustained  by 


46 

subscription.  He  labors  under  every  disadvantage,  not 
however  because,  as  I  presume,  the  ancient  edifice  is  in 
debt,  for  there  is  no  such  incumbrance.  And  yet  this 
people  report  some  ^60.000  in  the  congregation,  nearly 
one  half  of  which  is  owned  among  the  church  members. 
The  same  report  speaks  well  of  the  practical  influence  of 
temperance,  and  of  the  population  generally ; — and  I  saw 
no  reason  why  they  should  not  at  once  arise  and  build  a 
house  for  Christ,  in  which  the  people  who  have  no  car- 
riages to  ride  in,  (which  is  true  of  the  major  part,) 
can  assemble  and  be  comfortable  ;  for  they  do  not  now  as- 
semble in  windy  weather,  because  their  house  is  open  and 
cold,  nor  in  the  storm,  for  if  they  should,  they  could  not 
keep  it  dry  because  of  the  rain  that  penetrates  within. 
This  field,  I  regard  as  one  which  ought  to  receive  our 
immediate  attention,  and  as  one  of  great  promise.  The 
congregation  is  now  only  80,  averaging  50,  when  it 
might  be  hundreds.     The  deacon  is  J.  Briggs. 

HoPKiNTON,  lying  west  from  Richmond,  and  north  of 
Westerly,  a  second  division  of  Westerly,  was  incorpo- 
rated in  March,  1757.  It  contains  2.500  inhabitants, 
and  not  less  than  ^700.000  in  property.  There  are  two 
societies  of  Friends,  whose  houses  seat  300,  and  are 
valued  at  ^1.500  ;  three  Seventh-day  Baptist,  seating 
1.600,  with  a  property  of  ^10.500;  one  Methodist  ac- 
commodating 200,  and  estimated  at  j$  1.200;  and  two 
Regular  Baptist. 

First  At  Hopkinton  city,  the  house  is  30  by  40 
feet,  having  a  tower,  orchestra,  and  32  pews.  It  seats 
150,  and  is  estimated  at  ^1.500  ;  it'has  a  congregation  of 
60,  averaging  40  ;  it  was  built  in  1836.  There  is  a 
population  of  250,  among  whom  the  Seventh-day  con- 
gregation numbers  125,  and  the  two  Friends,  50.     The 


47 

Associated  members  are  valued  at  ^31.000,  and  the  So- 
ciety in  addition  ^32.000.  The  deacons  are  Oliver  D. 
Cole,  and  Robert  Palmer.  Many  of  the  population  in 
the  interior  attend  service  in  the  city  village.  The  min- 
ister deceased  during  the  past  season.  They  support 
the  house  by  subscription.     They  have  no  debt. 

Second.  The  other  church  house,  built  in  1845,  is 
situated  in  "  Locust  village,"  seven  miles  north,  join- 
ing Brand's  Iron  Works,  and  is  in  a  good  location, 
having  in  the  rear  a  beautiful  baptizing  pond.  It  is  34 
by  45  feet,  having  tower,  orchestra,  vestries,  sheds,  bell, 
and  50  pews,  (and  no  debt,)  at  a  cost  of  ^5.000.  It  seats 
350  persons,  and  the  congregation  is  300,  averaging 
150.  They  rent  their  pews.  The  deacons  are  W.  H. 
Greene  and  James  C.  Baker.  It  is  an  interesting  church, 
exerting  a  wholesome  influence.  A  revival  of  religion 
is  enjoyed  by  them  this  autumn. 

I  have  now  compiled  the  facts  touching  the  seven 
towns  in  Washington  County.  It  will  be  seen  that  the 
population  numbers  17.600;  that  there  are  liouses  of 
worship  to  accommodate  14.355  ;  that  the  property  in- 
vested in  church  building  is  ^105,500  ;  and  that  the  to- 
tal valuation  of  the  several  towns  amounts  to  ^6.822.000. 
In  very  many  neighborhoods  there  is  little  attention 
given  to  christian  obligation,  and  fields  are  numerous 
for  christian  labor ;  a  section  of  country  affording 
abundant  evidence  to  prove  that  such  eflbrt  will  fully 
reward  the  expenditure  that  ought  there  to  be  made. 

Bristol  County,  formed  in   1746. 
Bristol  was  incorporated  in  January   1746   and   in 
February  became  the  county-town.     It  has  a  population 
of  5.000,  and  a  capital  of  ^3.400.000.     It  has  six  meet- 


48 

ing-houses  for  public  worship.  The  Episcopal  seats 
900,  and  is  valued  at  ^15.000  ;  the  Methodist  accom- 
modates 700,  and  is  rated  at  j$f3.000  ;  the  Congregation- 
al provides  for  800,  and  the  church  property  is  put 
down  at  ^17.650  ;  the  Christian  has  room  for  400,  and 
property  worth  ;^3.500,  and  the  Colored  has  120  seats, 
and  a  valuation  of  j$f500. 

The  meeting-house  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  was 
built  of  stone,  on  High  street,  in  1814,  and  is  in  dimen- 
sions 45  by  65  feet,  having  a  tower,  bell,  orchestra,  or- 
gan and  two  vestries,  68  pews  on  the  floor,  and  is  free 
from  debt.  It  is  a  substantial  edifice,  beautifully  fres- 
coed and  cost  ,^1 0.000.  It  will  seat  500,  their  congre- 
gation being  400,  averaging  150.  The  deacons  are 
Keubeu  Oatley  and  George  Fish.  They  have  hereto- 
fore had  numerous  difficulties  to  encounter,  but  their 
prospects  are  now  encouraging,  and  I  trust  they  are  des- 
tined to  be  favored  abundantly  of  the  Lord. 

Warren,  incorporated  in  Jan.  1746,  with  its  3.300 
inhabitants,  has  four  edifices  devoted  to  public  worship. 
The  Methodist  have  a  flourishing  church,  their  house 
seating  1.000,  and  valued  at  ;^14.000.  The  Episcopal 
is  rated  at  600  seats,  and  in  property  ^13.000  ;  and  the 
Roman  Catholic,  opened  since  the  census  of  1850,  is  put 
down  at  300  seats,  and  their  house  at  j$f700. 

The  house  of  the  regular  Baptists  is  situated  on  the 
corner  of  Main  and  Miller  streets,  built  of  stone,  70  by 
84  feet,  with  a  tower  23  feet  square,  and  is  in  style  the 
Medium  Gothic,  having  146  pews  on  the  floor,  an 
orchestra,  and  seats  900  ;  it  is  furnished  with  an  organ, 
bell,  and  church  furniture  every  way  corresponding  with 
such  a  noble  structure.  The  building  contains  besides 
the  audience  room,  a  lecture,  committee,  study  and  other 


49 

rooms  of  like  appropriate  cliaracter  ;  it  was  erected  in 
1844  on  a  lot  of  land  145  feet  square,  tastefully  arranged 
and  beautifully  decorated,  at  a  cost  of  ,^18.000  ;  it  has 
no  debt.  The  estimated  value  of  property  is  ^20.000. 
The  congregation  numbers  750,  and  the  average  atten- 
dance in  ordinary  weather,  the  standard  adopted  for 
every  church,  500.  The  minister  is  sustained  partly  by 
a  fund,  but  principally  by  voluntary  subscription.  The 
late  pastor,  Kev.  Robert  A.  Fyfe,  resigned  in  July,  hav- 
ing performed  an  excellent  ministry  of  the  word  among 
them.  They  are  now  destitute.  The  deacons  are  Ste- 
phen Mason,  Stillman  Welch,  Lewis  Howe,  and  Jacob 
Sanders.  This  is  an  able  and  efficient  church  and  so- 
ciety, and  an  honor  to  religion  and  humanity. 

It  was  in  this  town  that  the  .Rhode- Island  College, 
founded  in  1764,  held  its  first  commencement.  The 
Warren  Institute  for  young  ladies,  and  the  Warren 
Classical  School  for  young  men,  are  in  the  immediate 
neighborhood  of  this  church,  and  share  largely  in  the 
sympathies  of  this  people.  The  estimate  of  property  in 
the  town  is  ^2.000.000, 

Barrington,  which  was  separated  from  Warren  on 
account  of  the  difficulty  of  passing  the  Warren  river, 
and  incorporated  into  a  distinct  township  in  June  1770, 
has  a  population  of  900,  and  a  property  of  ^600.000. 
It  has  only  one  religious  interest,  a  Congregational 
church,  whose  meeting-house  is  valued  at  ^7.000  ;  it 
will  accommodate  500  persons.  This  house  has  been 
recently  repaired  and  ornamented  with  a  tower  and 
other  improvements.  The  congregation,  it  is  said,  is 
prosperous. 

The  aggregate  amount  of  real  and  personal  estate  in 
Bristol  County  is  estimated  at  ^G. 000.000  ;  its   popula- 


50 

tion  at  9.200,  and  the  number  of  seats  in  its  houses  of  re- 
ligious service  6.720,  valued  at  ^104.350,  It  is  a  section 
of  country  possessing  much  interest ;  its  scenery  is  beau- 
tiful, and  its  commercial  and  manufacturing  advantages 
are  great.  A  rail-road  is  under  contract,  to  run  north 
and  south  from  Providence,  and  to  terminate  in  Bristol. 
The  education  of  youth  is  diligently  pursued,  and  temper- 
ance, and  morals  in  general,  are  maintained.  The  in- 
habitants are  in  the  main  enterprising  and  industrious, 
and  a  good  christian  spirit  prevails  among  the  churches. 
We  may  hope  to  receive  here  a  rich  harvest  for  the 
glorious  husbandman.  * 

County  of  Kent,  incorporated  in  1750.     - 
This  section  was  a  part  of  Providence  County  until 
June,  1750. 

East  Greenwich,  its  county  town,  was  originally  a 
tract  of  land  in  the  Narragansett  country  south  of^^War- 
wick,  which  upon  the  application  of  its  inhabitants  be- 
came a  township  in  October  1677.  It  was  exteirded  to 
the  western  line  of  the  Colony  in  October  1 706,-'and  di- 
vided in  April  1741  into  another  township  which  was 
named  West  Greenwich.  It  has  a  population  of  2.500, 
and  is  estimated  in  property  at  ^800.000.  There  is  an 
Episcopal  Church  seating  350,  and  valued  at'  ^5.000  ; 
a  Friend's,  holding  400,  and  apprai&ed  at  ^^3.000  ;  a 
Methodist  accommodating  400,  and  valued  at  ^5.000 ; 
and  one  Associated  Baptist  seating  470,  congregation 
250,  average  150.  The  house,  built  in  1846  46  by 
60  feet,  has  a  debt  of  ^$700.  It  is  finished  with 
tower,  orchestra,  bell,  organ,  80  pews,  and  is  valued  at 
;$f4.500.  The  deacon  is  James  Tilley,  The  pews  are 
rented.     It  is  a  good  house,  well  located,  and  is  an  im- 


51 

portant  station,  having  a  large  surplus  of  population 
who  worship  not  in  any  regular  place.  They  have  re- 
cently settled  a  pastor.  In  the  village  there  is  a  self- 
sustaining  Literary  Academy  which  promises  great  good 
to  the  community  at  large,  under  the  direction  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  denomination. 

There  is  also  in  the  interior  at  French-town,  so  called, 
a  building  styled  the  ''  Seminary,"  estimated  to  seat 
200,  and  in  valuation  ^500.  In  this  house  and  also  in 
an  old  meeting-house  at  Noose  Neck  Hill,  in  West 
Greenwich,  the  Warwick  and  East  Greenwich  Baptist 
Church,  numbering  80  members,  hold  service  once  a 
month.  The  deacons  are  W.  Spencer,  G.  Bailey  and 
D.  H.  Wightman. 

West  Greenwich,  a  portion  of  East  Greenwich,  in- 
corporated as  a  township  in  April  1741,  has  1.400  in- 
habitants and  a  property  appraised  at  ^453.000.  There 
is  at  Noose  Neck  Hill  a  meeting-house  occupied  by  the 
Associated  Baptists  as  just  stated,  estimated  to  seat  600, 
and  valued  at  ^^  1.000.  The  congregation  numbers  100, 
and  averages  50.  There  is  another  occupied  by  the 
Old  Baptists,  seating  300,  and  valued  at  ^500.  The 
llev.  John  Tillinghast  holds  religious  services  regularly 
at  private  houses,  his  church,  the  West  Greenwich  Bap- 
tist Church,  having  no  house.  There  is  an  Old  Baptist 
Church  of  67  members,  and  a  Free  Will  Baptist  of  65 
members,  who  also  in  these  houses  conduct  public  wor- 
ship. The  deacons  of  the  Associated  Baptist  Church 
are  Josiah  Greene  and  Allen  Tillinghast. 

Warwick  was  purchased  by  Samuel  Gorton  and 
others,  of  the  Indian  Narragansett  Sachem  My  autonomy, 
Jan.  1 2th,  1342-3,  and  named  in  honor  of  the  Earl 
of  Warwick,  who    gave  them  his  friendly  protection. 


52 

It  embraced  originally  what  now  forms  the  County  of 
Kent.  The  present  division,  now  properly  the  town  of 
Warwick,  contains  8.000  inhabitants  and  ^3.500.000 
of  property.  There  are  four  Six-Principle  Baptist  houses, 
seating  1030,  and  appraised  at  ;^3.500  ;  three  Free  Will 
Baptist  accommodating  550,  and  valued  at  ;^3.200  ;  one 
Congregational  seating  250,  and  valued  at  ^1.500;  one 
Friends,  holding  100,  and  put  down  at  ^250  ;  one  Sweed- 
enborgian  providing  for  75  and  at  a  cost  of  ^400  ;  one 
Roman  Catholic  accommodating  600,  and  valued  at 
;^  1,000  ;  two  Episcopal  holding  350,  and  appraised  at 
^1.800;  one  Methodist  seating  370,  and  valued  at 
;$f2.000  ;  one  Union  said  to  hold  400,  and  estimated  at 
^2.500  ;  and  four  Associated  Baptists.  The  house  of 
the  Gortonites,  if  in  being,  is  near  Old  Warwick  Centre. 
The  First  Baptist  Church  was  built  at  Crompton 
Mills  in  1843  ;  its  dimensions  are  40  by  60  feet.  It  has 
a  tower,  orchestra,  vestry,  bell,  and  64  pews,  which  they 
rent  ;  its  property  is  estimated  at  j$f2.500  ;  it  has  a  debt 
of  ^300.  It  will  hold  470,  has  a  congregation  of  175, 
the  average  attendance  of  which  is  75.  The  church  owns 
a  parsonage  valued  at  ^800.  The  deacon  is  Pardon  Spen- 
cer. These  are  good  premises,  but  the  foreign  population 
has  been,  so  extensively  introduced  as  to  afford  serious 
impediments  to  the  efforts  of  the  church.  I  trust  they 
will  labor  to  give  to  the  new  comers  the  Gospel  also. 
Has  not  God  sent  them  among  us  to  receive  good  at  our 
hands.  Their  souls  are  equally  precious  with  ours,  and 
without  repentance  toward  God  and  faith  in  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ, 

"  No  bleeding  bird,  nor  bleeding  beast, 
Nor  hyssop  branch,  nor  sprinkling  priest, 
Nor  running  brook,  nor  flood,  nor  sea, 
Can  wash  the  dismal  stain  away." 


53 

The  Lippitt  and  Phenix  meeting-house  was  built  in 
Phenix  viUage  January  1842.  It  is  36  by  48  feet,  with 
tower,  bell,  orchestra,  organ,  vestry,  and  56  pews, 
which  are  rented,  with  the  proceeds  of  which  and  sub- 
scriptions the  minister  is  maintained.  It  cost  ^3.000. 
It  has  a  debt  of  ^1.800,  provided  for  by  stock  at  5 
per  cent.  A  parsonage  has  been  built  the  past  year. 
The  congregation  is  300,  averaging  165.  The  house 
seats  400.  The  deacons  are  J.  B.  Tanner  and  J.  Bailey, 
There  are  5.000  people  in  the  community,  a  large  pro- 
portion of  whom  are  foreigners.  The  temperance  pledge 
of  entire  abstenance  from  alcoholic  liquors  is  a  condition 
of  membership,  it  being  one  of  the  articles  of  their  cov- 
enant. This  has  been  one  of  the  most  promising- 
churches,  but  difficulties  have  long  existed  among  them. 
There  is  now  a  better  prospect.  I  have  spent  two  Sab- 
baths, and  in  connection  with  Hev.  Wm.  Coggswell  sev- 
eral other  days,  endeavoring  to  remove  these  difficulties, 
and  I  trust  with  divine  favor.  Most  of  those  who  had 
been  heretofore  active  in  the  church,  have  returned  to 
their  communion.  Situated  in  a  pleasant  country  and 
surrounded  with  many  things  attractive,  it  is  expected 
that  the  members  of  this  church  will  continue  to  fulfil 
the  high  expectations  that  are  indulged  concerning  them, 
and  which  have  been  heretofore  so  liberally  redeemed. 
The  Hev.  Mr.  Coggswell,  who  added  greatly  to  their 
strength  and  usefulness  by  his  counsels,  has  removed  to 
Minesota ;  in  his  departure  Rhode-Island  loses  a  valu- 
able minister  who  has  not  failed  to  do  all  he  could  to 
advance  the  interests  of  our  Zion. 

Near  to  this  interest  and  on  the  same  branch  of  the 
Pawtuxet  river  is  the  villao'e  of  Natic.  The  mcetinof- 
house  was  erected  by  Gov.  W.   Sprague  in  1839,  and 


54 

was  long  styled  the  "  Union."  It  is  now  rented  by 
him  to  the  Natic  Baptist  Church.  It  is  40  by  54  feet, 
and  has  a  tower,  bell,  orchestra,  vestry,  and  58  pews. 
Its  value  is  ^2,500.  Some  1500  people  live  in  the  neigh- 
borhood. The  house  seats  400,  congregation  is  275, 
averaging  200.  The  pastor  is  sustained  by  pew  rents 
and  subscriptions.  The  deacons  are  Christopher  War- 
ren, Smith  W.  Pearce,  and  Henry  A.  Bowen.  This 
church,  it  is  believed,  is  one  of  much  hope. 

In  near  proximity  to  this  community  there  is  the 
Point  village,  and  the  new  one  now  building  by  Gov. 
Sprague  called  Wakefield,  which  united  with  the  Point, 
presents  an  inviting  field  of  labor  not  yet  improved  by 
any  denomination.  A  member  living  in  Centerville,  has 
in  reserve  a  lot  of  land  for  a  Baptist  Church,  well  sit- 
uated for  such  a  building. 

Some  seven  miles  east  is  another  of  the  Churches  of 
the  Associated  Baptists,  called  the  "  Shawomut  Baptist 
Church  of  Old  Warwick."  They  worship  in  the  house 
belonging  to  the  Old  Baptists,  who  very  seldom  oc- 
cupy it.  It  was  erected  in  1829.  It  measures  34  by 
42  feet,  and  is  valued  at  ^^800.  It  will  seat  300,  has  a 
congregation  of  100,  averaging  80.  The  pastor  is  sus- 
tained by  subscription.  The  deacon  is  B.  Green.  The 
church  owns  a  neat  parsonage  upon  which  there  is  a 
debt  of  ^400.  It  cost  ^1,500.  There  is  no  other  meet- 
ing in  this  part  of  the  town,  and  hence  it  is  a  light- 
house the  lamp  of  which  should  be  kept  filled,  trimmed 
and  burning. 

Coventry,  incorporated  in  August  1741,  was  set  off 
from  Warwick.  It  contains  3,800  inhabitants  and  a 
valuation  in  property  of  ^1,800,000.  There  are  three 
Six  Principle  Baptist's  houses  seating   600,  and   valued 


55 

at  ^2,250  ;  one  Congregational  accommodating  300  and 
estimated  at  ^1,500;  and  two  Associated  Baptists. 

The  Central  Baptist  Meeting-house,  built  in  Wash- 
ington village  in  1839,  measures  36  by  50  feet,  will 
seat  400,  and  is  valued  at  ^1,500.  The  congregation 
is  400,  averaging  200.  It  has  50  pews.  Also  a  debt 
of  ,^330.  It  has  an  orchestra.  The  population  in  the 
vicinity  is  1000.  For  years  this  church  and  its  minis- 
ter, Rev.  Albert  Sheldon,  have  been  connected  with  the 
General  Baptists,  but  during  the  last  year  they  have  uni- 
ted with  the  Associated  Baptists. — A  valuable  accession. 
The  deacons  are  Jesse  Wood  and  Edwin  Johnson.  They 
support  their  minister  by  subscription. 

The  Quidnic  Baptist  meeting-house  was  built  in 
1808;  it  is  40  by  60  feet,  having  galleries,  vestry,  and 
70  pews  on  the  floor.  It  will  seat  700  and  is  valued  at 
only  1000,  it  being  much  out  of  repair.  The  congrega- 
tion is  225,  averaging  180.  It  has  a  debt  of  ^200. 
The  meeting-house  lot  is  large  and  valuable-  The  dea- 
con is  Oliver  Howard.  This  house  is  situated  in  the 
centre  of  a  large  population,  and  is  such  an  important 
station  that  it  should  be  immediately  put  in  order.  A 
generous  individual  has  offered  to  contribute  one  half 
of  the  entire  expense,  if  the  other  can  be  obtained. — 
This  proposition  will  be  sabmitted  to  the  consideration 
of  your  Board  of  INlanagers  by  the  pastor  of  this  church. 

The  County  of  Kent  according  to  the  foregoing  esti- 
mates has  a  population  in  the  four  towns  that  consti- 
tute it  of  15,700;  for  whom  there  are  provided  9,415 
seats  in  public  worship,  at  a  valuation  of  ^47,  700,  with 
an  aggregate  property  of  ^6,533,000.  In  this  county 
there  exist  a  large  number  of  manufacturing  interests, 
owned  by  residents   in   various   places,   but   chiefly   in 


56 

Providence  and  vicinity.  These  owners  it  may  be  do 
not  realize  their  responsibilities  to  their  operatives,  or  to 
the  county  at  large.  It  will  be  of  vital  importance  in 
their  future  account,  (for  every  man  shall  give  account 
of  himself  to  God,)  to  have  looked  after  not  only  their 
own  pecuniary  emolument,  but  also  to  the  moral  tone 
which  they  have  given  to  sm.'iety  by  the  introduction  of 
proper  help  into  their  manufacturing  interests,  and  by 
the  proper  cultivation  of  their  minds  when  thus  located. 
In  this  County  their  is  ample  room  for  the  introduc- 
tion of  useful  knowledge  of  every  character,  and  for  re- 
ligious culture  in  the  various  villages,  of  which  is  is  com- 
posed. In  this  county  our  ancestors  evidently  went 
to  the  other  extreme  in  the  moral  education  of  their  chil- 
dren. But  let  no  one  complain  of  the  laws  of  Rhode- 
Island  because  they  compel  no  one  to  perform  religious 
homage  contrary  to  his  own  wishes  ;  the  fault  lies  not 
in  the  absence  of  legal  merits,  but  in  the  want  of  a 
faithful  parental  culture.  And  further,  we  have  all  the 
law  that  necessity  requires.  For  "  all  profaneness  and 
immorality  are  furnished  by  the  laws  made  to  suppress 
them ;  and  while  these  laws  are  well  executed,  specula- 
tive opinions  or  modes  of  worship  can  never  disturb  or 
injure  the  peace  of  a  State  that  allows  all  its  subjects 
an  equal  liberty  of  conscience.  Indeed  it  is  not  variety 
of  opinions,  or  separation  in  worship,  that  makes  disor- 
ders and  confusions  in  government,  for  in  both  these 
there  is  great  safety.  But  "it  is  the  unjust,  unnatural 
and  absurd  attempt  to  force  all  to  be  of  one  opinion,  or 
to  feign  and  dissemble  that  they  are." 

Providence  County,  incorporated  in   1729. 
I  have  already  described  two   of  the   townships   that 
were  connected  with  this   County  at  the  time  of  its  or- 


57 

ganization ;  viz.  East  Greenwich  and  Warwick.  Prov- 
idence in  that  year  included  the  present  County,  save 
the  town  of  Cumberland.  In  the  following  year  Provi- 
dence was  divided  into  four  townships,  and  since  then 
its  territory  has  been  divided  into  nine  towns,  which 
with  its  own  incorporation  as  a  city,  and  the  addition  of 
Cumberland,  make  ten  separate  and  distinct  organiza- 
tions. I  proceed  to  give  account  of  these  in  the  same 
manner  as  I  have  done  of  the  towns  in  the  other  coun- 
ties. 

Providence  in  May,  1730,  was  formed  into  four 
townships,  which  were  styled  Providence,  Smithfield,  Glo- 
cester,  and  Scituate.  Providence,  by  the  repeated  di- 
vision of  its  boundaries,  has  become  reduced  to  a  small 
district,  smaller  than  any  other  geographical  assign- 
ment in  the  State.  I  shall  defer  an  account  of  its 
present  condition  until  I  have  completed  the  remain- 
ing nine. 

Cumberland  denominated  the  "  Gore  of  land"  prior 
to  the  royal  annexation  of  George  II,  was  incor[)orated 
in  January,  1746,  and  added  to  this  county  in  the  month 
following.  It  is  the  northern  town  ;  it  has  a  population 
of  7000,  and  a  property  of  ^3,300,000.  It  contains  a 
Universalist  house,  seating  500,  and  appraised  at  $8,000; 
two  Methodist,  accommodating  650,  and  valued  at 
$8,500  ;  a  Roman  Catholic,  providing  seats  for  1,100, 
and  an  estate  of  $7,000  ;  a  Friend's,  having  room  for 
250  at  a  cost  of  1,000  ;  and  three  Associated  Baptists. 

The  Woonsocket  house,  erected  in  1833,  measures  42 
by  90  feet.  It  stands  near  the  rail-road  station,  and  is 
finished  with  a  tower,  bell,  orchestra,  vestry,  76  pews, 
and  is  valued  at  ^6.000.  It  seats  500,  the  congregation 
being  400  and  averaging  300 ;  the  population  in  the 


58 

vicinity  is  6.000.  The  pastor  is  sustained  by  rents  of  pews. 
They  have  no  debt.  The  deacons  have  resigned  and 
different  persons  officiate  in  the  office.  It  is  a  very  im- 
portant field  and  is  worthy  of  our  continued  affection  ; 
a  child  of  the  Convention,  may  the  church  never  cease 
to  own  its  relationship  and  to  aid  in  the  education  of 
other  children  in  like  manner  adopted. 

The  Cumberland  Hill  House,  measuring  40  by  50 
feet,  was  built  in  1844,  having  54  pews.  It  seats  300 
persons,  has  a  congregation  of  125,  averaging  90  ;  it  is 
finished  with  tower,  bell,  orchestra,  vestries,  is  val- 
ued at  $4,000,  and  is  out  of  debt.  Seventy  families  live 
within  one  mile  of  the  premises.  They  have  a  fund  for 
ministerial  support  amounting  to  ;$f700,  the  interest  of 
which  with  the  pew  rents  and  subscriptions  they  devote 
to  this  purpose.  The  deacon  is  Abner  Ballou.  There 
is  in  this  region  great  room  for  improvement  in  temper- 
ance and  Sabbath  observance.  Very  many  attend  no 
religious  services.  The  pastor  speaks  of  four  baptisms 
this  year.  The  funds  of  the  Convention  can  be  well  ex- 
pended at  this  place  until  the  ability  of  this  abundantly 
able  community  can  be  drawn  forth  for  the  entire  sus- 
tenance of  the  interest. 

The  Valley  Falls  house  is  situated  in  the  Valley 
Village,  on  the  Cumberland  side.  It  was  built  in 
1840,  is  45  by  65  feet,  and  seats  400;  it  has  a 
congregation  of  200,  averaging  150.  It  is  furnished 
with  a  tower,  bell,  orchestra,  organ,  vestry^  and  76  pews, 
at  a  cost  of  ^7,000.  A  heavy  debt  of  ^5,000,  and  some 
ministerial  arrearages,  greatly  depress  the  church.  They 
report  in  both  church  and  society,  only  about  $24,000. 
The  pastor  is  supported  by  rent  of  pews  and  subscrip- 


59 

tion.  The  deacons  are  Amos  Babcock  and  Otis  Ingra- 
ham.  Numerous  removals  from  the  village  have  oc- 
curred, and  foreigners  fill  their  places.  It  is  hoped, 
however,  that  a  change  in  this  respect  will  be  effected,  and 
that  the  Board  will  in  some  manner  enable  them  yet  to 
retain  their  house. 

Smithfield  was  a  division  of  Providence  in  May,  1730. 
It  has  a  population  of  12,000,  and  an  estate  of  $1,100,000. 
There  are  three  Episcopal  houses,  seating  1,100  at  a 
cost  of  ^18,000,  (two  Friends  providing  for  900,  in  valua- 
tion $2,500;)  one  Methodist,  accommodating  225,  and 
valued  at  $1,800  ;  one  Free  Will  Baptist,  holding  480, 
at  a  cost  of  $1,200;  two  Congregationalists,  seating 
1500,  at  a  valuation  of  $18,000  ;  and  three  Associated 
Baptists. 

Central  Falls  Baptist  house  seats  500,  and  is  es- 
timated at  ^7,000.  It  is  a  fine  building,  erected  in 
I84-4,  measuring  45  by  65  feet,  having  a  tower,  bell,  or- 
chestra, organ,  vestry  and  76  pews,  and  is  well  located. 
The  congregation  is  400,  averaging  300.  The  minister 
is  sustained  by  pew  rents  and  subscriptions.  They  have 
a  debt  of  ;$250.  The  deacons  are  Preston  Grant  and 
German  P.  Thurber.  It  is  a  church  of  great  promise. 
Rev.  John  Blain  has  become  their  pastor ;  he  is  greatly 
encouraged  by  the  deep  religious  feeling  existing  among 
the  people. 

Lonsdale  house  was  built  in  1840,  seats  400,  and  cost 
;^3,000.  It  measures  40  by  50  feet,  and  is  finished  with 
tower,  bell,  organ,  vestries  and  58  pews.  It  has  no 
debt.  The  congregation  is  200.  averaging  125.  There 
is  here  a  community  of  1,100.  The  deacons  are  David 
Clark  and  W.  Robinson.     There  is  also    an  Episcopal 


60 

house  and  a  large  foreign  population  in  the  vicinity. 
It  is  a  manufacturing  village  of  considerable  note.  Rev. 
W.  Phillips,  a  brother  beloved,  supplies  them.  They 
sustain  the  ministry  by  pew  rents. 

Lime  Rock  and  Albion  house  has  provisions  for  250 
persons  and  is  estimated  at  ^1,500.  It  was  erected  in 
1836,  and  measures  40  by  60  feet.  It  is  situated  on  a 
hill  some  half  mile  from  the  village,  and  two  miles  from 
the  Albion.  It  is  believed  that  a  removal  of  the  house 
to  the  village  below,  would  be  the  means  of  increasing 
the  usefulness  of  the  church.  It  has  a  tower,  orchestra, 
and  50  pews,  and  is  free  from  debt.  The  minister  is 
maintained  by  subscription.  There  are  more  than  1,000 
people  in  the  vicinity.  The  congregation  is  100,  aver- 
aging 50.  The  deacon  is  Ebenezer  Joe.  Worship  is  held 
in  the  Albion  village  once  on  the  Sabbath.  Here  there 
is  a  large  agricultural,  as  well  as  manufacturing  commu- 
nity. The  people  are  wealthy,  and  ere  long  a  new  and 
independent  interest  should  be  sustained  at  both  villages. 
Rev,  D.  M.  Burdick  of  Tiverton  has  removed  hither 
and  become  the  pastor  of  this  congregation. 

Glqcester,  one  of  the  first  divisions  of  Providence, 
was  incorporated  in  May,  1730,  having  a  population  of 
3,000,  and  an  estate  of  ^1,000,000.  There  is  a  Con- 
gregational meeting-house,  seating  328,  at  a  cost  of 
j^3,500 ;  an  Union  accommodating  211,  and  valued  at 
^500;  a  Free  Will  Baptist,  providing  for  412,  and  val- 
ued at  ;^3,800,  and  another  society  of  the  same  de- 
nomination having  no  house  but  a  congregation  of  174. 

BuRRiLLViLLE  was  Separated  from  Glocester  and  made 
a  township  in  October,  1806.  It  contains  a  population 
of  3,600  and  ;$  1,000,000  in  property.     There  is  a  Free 


61 

Will  Baptist  meeting-house  seating  300,  at  a  cost  of 
^3,000  ;  a  Methodist  holding  250,  and  valued  at  ;^2,400  ; 
and  a  Friend's  accommodating  250,  at  a  valuation  of 
$160. 

SciTUATE,  another  portion  of  Providence,  was  consti- 
tuted a  township  in  May,  1730.  It  has  a  population  of 
5000,  and  property  amounting  to  ^1,900,000.  The 
Census  records  one  Congregational  house,  seating  400 
and  appraised  at  ^2,000  ;  two  Free  Will  Baptists  accom- 
dating  750,  with  property  at  ^3,500  ;  one  Millerite  house 
providing  for  250  and  valued  at  ;^150;  two  Six  Prin- 
ciple Baptist  holding  450  and  appraised  at  ^2,000 ; 
and  one  Associated  Baptist  seating  200,  and  valued  at 
j^800.  The  latter  is  situated  on  a  beautiful  lot,  between 
Jackson  and  Fiske  villages  It  has  a  tower,  bell,  orches- 
tra, and  52  pews.  The  church  seems  disheartened  ;  in- 
deed the  Convention  has  never  yet  found  much  success 
at  this  station.  Nevertheless  for  the  present  the  church 
will  hold  a  monthly  meeting,  and  watch  the  movements 
of  divine  providence.  The  deacon  is  Benjamin  Arnold 
who  resides  in  the  village  of  Phenix.  There  is  a  debt 
of  ;$fl60,  for  which  the  premises  are  pledged.  We  may 
also  add  that  there  is  in  this  town  a  Literary  Institution, 
denominated  the  Smithville  Seminary,  which  has  al- 
ways been  under  the  direction  of  the  Free  Will  Bap- 
tists ;  it  furnishes  advantages  to  all  who  desire  to  obtain 
a  good  English  education.  It  is  open  to  both  sexes, 
without  reference  to  any  religious  persuasion.  Persons 
can  also  receive  instruction  in  the  Languages  and  clas- 
sical studies. 

Foster,  formerly  a  part  of  Scituate,  was  made  a  town- 
ship in  August,  1781.  It  has  a  population  of  2000  inhabi- 


62 

tants  and  a  property  of  ;^5 77,000.  There  are  two  Free 
Will  Baptist  Meeting-houses,  the  one  seating  250  and 
valued  at  ^1,200  the  other  accommodating  200,  and  in 
value  ^800. 

Cranston,  was  the  southern  division  of  Providence 
as  it  remained  after  its  incorporation  in  1730.  It  was 
set  off  in  .Tune  1754.  It  has  7,000  inhabitants,  and  an 
estate  of  ^2,223,000.  There  is  a  Friend's  meeting-house 
seating  200  and  in  value  ;^400 ;  one  Free  Will  Baptist, 
or  South  Benevolent  Society  accommodating  400,  and 
appraised  at  ^1,200  ;  one  Congregational  said  to  seat 
250,  and  in  valuation  ^1,200 ;  one  Free  Will  Baptist, 
seating  200,  and  estimated  at  ^600 ;  and  one  Six  Prin- 
ciple Baptist  holding  5Q0,  and  valued  ^1,200  ;  and  one 
Associated  Baptist. 

The  house  of  the  Associated  Baptists  is  situated  in 
the  north  part  of  Pawtuxet  village^  having  been  erected 
in  1803.  It  measures  38  by  50  feet,  seats  400,  has  a 
congregation  of  300  averaging  150,  and  is  estimated  at 
^1,200.  It  has  a  tower  and  bell,  galleries  and  71  pews  on 
the  floor.  There  are  in  the  village  600  inhabitants.  They 
sustain  their  minister  by  subscription,  in  the  obtaining 
of  which,  and  also  for  other  services,  they  are  under 
great  obligation  to  the  Rev,  Job  Manchester,  a  min- 
ister of  the  Six  Principle  Baptist  order,  and  a  resident  in 
the  village.  The  deacons  are  Remington  Smith  and 
Newell  Lee.  There  is  some  special  attention  to  religion 
prevailing  in  the  congregation.  They  need  a  new  house. 
The  village  has  been  greatly  depressed,  but  there  is  great 
M'ealth  among  the  residents  and  a  brighter  day  evidently 
awaits  them. 

Johnston,  yet  another  division  of  Providence  proper, 


63 

was  incorporated  in  Febuary,  1759.  Its  population 
is  3,000,  and  its  property  ;$f  1,200,000.  There  are  three 
houses  of  the  Six  Principle  Baptist's,  seating  1,500,  and 
valued  at  ^9,000 ;  one  Episcopal  accommodating  400, 
and  valued  at  ^2,000 ;  and  one  Free  Will  Baptist  pro- 
viding for  900,  at  a  cost  of  ^6,000,  located  in  western 
Olneyville. 

North  Providence,  the  last  division  of  Providence  in 
1730,  was  incorporated  into  a  distinct  township  in  June, 
1765.  The  south  part,  bordering  on  and  taking  in  some 
part  of  the  compact  town,  and  against  which  there  was 
a  powerful  opposition  at  the  time  of  its  constitution,  was 
again  annexed  to  the  town  of  Providence  in  June,  1767. 
It  has  a  population  of  8,000,  and  property  in  valuation 
^3,600,000.  There  is  one  Congregational  house  seating 
600,  and  valued  at  ^7,000  ;  two  Episcopal^  holding  900, 
and  estimated  at  ^12,500;  one  Union,  accommodating 
280  and  valued  at  ^3,000  ;  a  Roman  Catholic  put  down 
at  950,  and  appraised  at  ^10,000  ;  one  Free  Will  Bap- 
tist, holding  250,  and  valued  at  ^1,500  ,  two  Methodist 
providing  for  800,  at  a  cost  of  ^^5,000  ;  and  four  Asso- 
ciated Baptists. 

The  High  Street  Baptist  house  is  situated  in  Paw- 
tuck  et  village,  measuring  56  by  64  feet,  with  an  orches- 
tra adjoining  on  the  iiorth,  of  14  by  30  feet.  It  was 
built  1830;  Valuation  ^2,000.  It  seats  600,  has 
a  congregation  of  300,  averaging  150,  and  is  finished 
with  tower  and  bell,  galleries  and  organ,  vestry  and  103 
pews  on  the  floor.  It  has  also  a  large  lot  of  land.  The 
deacons  are  Olney  Keach,  Jabel  Pall,  Abner  Polsy,  and 
Pardon  Allen.  The  Rev.  A.  Ross  is  at  present  preach- 
ing to  them,  and  it  is  hoped  the  church  which  has  been 


64 

for  some  months  scattered  will  now  be  gathered  with  a 
sure  prospect  of  their  permanent  organization. 

Near  to  the  High  Street  stands  the  First  Baptist 
Church,  erected  in  1842,  at  a  cost  of  ;$f  11,000;  it  is 
free  from  debt.  It  measures  61^  by  91  feet.  It  will 
seat  900,  has  a  congregation  of  500,  averaging  300 ;  it 
is  furnished  with  vestries  and  114  pews  on  the  floor, 
galleries  and  organ,  tower  and  bell ;  from  the  rents 
of  the  pews  with  some  subscription  the  pastor  is  sustain- 
ed. The  deacons  are  Daniel  Dunham,  George  P.  Jenks, 
Stephen  Benedict,  and  James  Olney.  The  house  is  sub- 
stantial and  ornamental.  The  Church  is  able  and  in- 
creasingly efficient.  The  field  is  large,  numbering  on 
both  sides  of  the  river  12  000  inhabitants. 

The  Fruit  Hill  house  measures  30  by  60  feet.  It  was 
built  in  1819,  seats  300,  and  is  valued  at  ^2,000.  It 
has  60  pews,  with  a  congregation  of  150,  averaging 
80.  Rev,  John  C.  Welch  of  Providence,  a  minister  long 
and  favorably  known  in  Rhode  Island  as  a  pastor,  sup- 
plies their  pulpit ;  his  labor  is  rewarded  with  tokens 
of  good.  This  Church  would  probably  increase  their 
usefulness  by  the  erection  of  a  new  house.  The  lot  is 
large  and  finely  situated,  surrounded  by  the  Fruit  Hill 
village.  A  large  agricultural  district  and  several  manu- 
facturing interests  furnish  them  with  sufficient  encour- 
agement for  such  an  enterprise.  The  Fruit  Hill  Classi- 
cal School,  taught  by  Stanton  Belden  Esq.  is  also  here. 
Mr.  Belden's  reputation  as  a  teacher  has  ever  stood  high ; 
and  the  institution  is  worthy  of  a  liberal  patronage. 

The  Allendale  Baptist  Church  was  built  in  1847, 
about  three  fourths  of  a  mile  south  west  from  the 
Fruit  Hill  house.     It  is  situated  in  the  village  of  Zacha- 


65 

riah  Allen,  Esq.,  a  gentleman  of  high  moral  feeling,  who 
contributes  liberally  towards  the  support  of  the  church. 
The  building  measures  22  by  40  feet,  has  a  tower, 
bell,  vestry,  and  27  pews,  seats  250,  and  is  esti- 
mated at  ^1,800.  The  church  report  their  congregation 
at  300,  with  an  average  of  150.  They  sustain  the  ministry 
by  subscription.  Julius  E.  Johnson,  an  unordained  minis- 
ter, has  supplied  their  pulpit  on  the  Sabbath  for  two 
years.  The  deacon  is  Samuel  C.  Harrington.  The  popu- 
lation in  the  village  is  300. 

In  the  nine  towns  enumerated  as  belonging  to  Provi- 
dence County  there  is  a  population  of  50,600  inhabitants, 
for  whom  there  are  provided  in  houses  of  public  wor- 
ship 23,886  seats,  with  an  estimated  value  in  church 
property  of  ^197.500,  and  with  an  aggregate  of  the  per- 
sonal property  and  landed  estates  of  ;^20, 000,000. 

In  six  of  these  towns,  embracing  a  population  of  23,600, 
we  have  only  the  house  at  Fiskeville  in  Scituate,  now 
closed,  and  the  congregation  in  Pawtuxet  village,  in  the 
extreme  south-east  of  Cranston ;  in  the  large  town 
of  Smithfield  with  a  population  of  12,000,  we  are  also 
but  feebly  represented,  and  the  same  can  be  said  of  Cum- 
berland. 

In  five  other  towns  in  the  State,  containing  a  popu- 
lation of  5.900,  we  have  no  house  of  worship.  Thus 
there  are  nine  towns  out  of  the  thirty-one,  having  a  pop- 
ulation of  16,900  inhabitants,  among  whom  there  are 
no  organizations  of  any  kind  connected  with  our  de- 
nomination. And  yet  these  towns  are  increasing  at  a 
rapid  rate  annually.  With  devout  gratitude  that  chris- 
tians of  other  denominations  have  carried  the  gospel  to 
these   sections,  and  with  fervent  prayer  also  that  many, 


66 

very  many  souls  may  be  given  to  them  for  their  reward, 
I  would  nevertheless  remark  that,  if  we  as  Baptists 
mean  to  sur^dve  and  do  justice  to  the  providence  that 
gave  to  us  as  a  people  these  lands,  we  should  devote  our 
best  energies  and  means,  at  least  for  a  season,  mainly 
to  the  improvement  of  the  heart  of  our  denominational 
body ;  and  afterwards,  having  purified  our  moral  blood 
and  renewed  our  organic  and  muscular  energy,  we  may 
be  able  to  send  forth  moral  life  into  other  parts 
more  effectually  than  we  have  ever  done,  and  thus  save 
ourselves  from  spiritual  apoplexy,  and  aid  also  in  pre- 
serving the  souls  of  other  people,  and  of  the  race  at  large, 
from  the  death  that  never  dies. 

The  Township  of  Providence,  as  has  been  remark- 
ed, embraced  originally  the  entire  lands  that  are  now 
embraced  in  Providence  county,  save  the  town  of  Cum- 
berland, which  before  the  settlement  of  1746,  was  styled 
"  The  Gore  of  land."  It  was  divided  in  May,  1730,  and 
incorporated  into  four  townships.  It  was  lessened  again 
in  June,  1754,  by  the  formation  of  Cranston;  and  in 
February,  1759,  by  the  setting  off  of  Johnston;  and  in 
June,  1765-7,  by  the  establishment  of  North-Providence; 
leaving  the  boundaries  in  1767  as  they  are  at  present 
described,  viz  ;  about  2^  miles  in  average  breadth  and 
about  3^  miles  in  average  length.  Thus  Providence  gave 
away  eight  towns,  each  larger  than  itself,  contribu- 
ting to  Providence  County  nine  towns,  which  with  Cum- 
berland, make  the  ten  towns,  its  present  number.  But 
notwithstanding  it  has  thus  furnished  territory  for  all 
the  large  towns  around,  it  has  nevertheless  nearly  one 
third  of  the  entire  population  of  the  State,  and  a  num- 
ber equal   to   all  its  immediate  derivatives;  about  one 


67 

third  of  the  accommodations  for  public  worship ;  and 
more  than  one  third  of  the  reported  wealth  or  proper- 
ty. For,  as  is  supposed,  fifty-thousand  people  reside  in 
the  city  proper,  having  32,400  seats  in  houses  of  relig- 
ious meetings,  and  representing  ;^37, 500,000  : — statistics 
varying  somewhat  from  those  quoted  by  myself  from  the 
books  to  my  teacher  Liberty  Rawson,  Esq.,  when  a  boy 
at  the  Brick  Free  School-house  in  Meeting-street,  forty 
years  since,  and  ten  years  after  the  establishment  of 
Free  Schools  in  the  State.  At  that  time  in  1810  Prov- 
idence had  a  population  of  10,071,  and  a  property 
amounting  to  ^3,509,000.  Now  she  has  a  property 
amounting  to  ^37,500,000,  besides  the  vast  estates  held 
by  her  citizens  within  thirty  miles,  north,  south  and 
west,  which  include  very  much  of  the  capital  properties 
credited  to  the  towns  where  they  are  located.  Then 
the  town  tax  was  fifty-seven  cents  on  one  hundred  dol- 
lars, in  place  of,  under  the  city  government,  fifty-three 
cents,  (this  grand  objection  to  a  city  government)  when 
too  the  State  had  a  population  of  77,031,  and  not  as  now 
of  165,400  ;  and  a  property  of  less  than  ^30,000,000,  in 
place  of  ^91,375,000.  In  all  probability  the  total 
amount  of  capital  in  Rhode  Island  for  January,  1854, 
would  equal  if  not  exceed  the  sum  of  ^100,000,000. 

City  of  Providence  incorporated  in  Oct.  1831. 

The  town  of  Providence  became  a  city  by  an  Act  of 
incorporation  passed  by  the  General  Assembly  at  their 
October  session  in  1831.  Its  first  city  ofiicers  were  in- 
ducted into  office  in  June,  1832.  Gen.  Samuel  W. 
Bridgham  became  its  first  Mayor,  retaining  the  office  by 
repeated  elections  until  December,  lb39,  when  he  died. 


68 

He  was  succeeded  by  Mr,  Thomas  M.  Burgess,  who 
officiated  until  1852,  when  Mr.  Amos  C.  Barstow  was 
elected  to  the  office.  The  present  Mayor  is  Mr. 
Walter  R.  Danforth,  The  period  of  the  town  govern- 
ment of  Providence  has  been  one  hundred  and  ninety- 
six  years,  and  of  the  city  government  twenty-one  years  ; 
making  a  total  of  two  hundred  and  seventeen  years 
since  its  settlement. 

In  February,  1800,  mainly  through  the  influence  of 
the  Association  of  Mechanics  and  Manufacturers  in 
Providence,  an  Act  was  obtained  from  the  General  As- 
sembly, establishing  in  the  State  a  system  of  Free  Schools; 
the  town  was  divided  into  four  districts  and  four 
schools  were  established,  one  in  each  district.  And 
these  great  blessings  were  never  withheld  from  the  citi- 
zens, ahhough  the  State  law  was  repealed  in  February, 
1703.  In  January,  1828,  when  the  Public  schools  were 
re-established  throughout  the  State  by  Legislative  au- 
thority, Providence  commenced  its  admirable  system  of 
Primary  Schools  in  addition  to  those  that  had  been  con- 
tinued and  multiplied  from  1800.  In  1839  the  whole 
system  was  revised  and  improved,  and  spacious  brick 
houses  were  erected,  which  still  remain  an  honor  to  the 
intelligence  of  its  citizens,  the  true  guarantee  of  civil 
rights,  and  the  source  of  constant  prosperity  to  the  in- 
creasing population. 

In  this  connection  it  is  proper  to  mention  the  ex- 
ceedingly useful  Institution  of  the  Society  of  Friends, 
established  in  1819  and  located  in  the  north-eastern  por- 
tion of  the  city  on  Hope  street.  At  this  institution 
the  youth  of  both  sexes  receive  a  thorough  education  in 
all  the  branches  of  regular  science,  and  in  the  languages. 


69 

The  grounds  are  spacious,  the  buildings  are  large  and 
commodious,  and  adequate  means  are  furnished  for  ex- 
ercise and  other  mediums  of  health  and  comfort.  It  is 
richly  endowed  by  funds  from  estates  of  the  late  Oba- 
diah  Brown,  and  his  father,  Moses  Brown  ;  also  by  funds 
or  donations  from  other  benevolent  patrons  of  the  So- 
ciety, by  whom  its  concerns  are  managed  through  Trus- 
tees and  Committees  of  their  appointment,  and  to  whom 
regular  reports  of  its  condition  are  made  at  its  annual 
meetings.  This  and  other  schools  of  a  high  character 
having  been  founded  by  this  very  worthy  christian  peo- 
ple, the  youth  of  their  families  have  reaped  great  ad- 
vantages. 

In  this  city  also,  the  University  of  the  State  is  located. 
Its  premises  are  bounded  by  Waterman,  Brown,  George 
and  Prospect  streets,  thus  forming  an  entire  square 
with  the  exception  of  a  private  residence  on  the  corner  of 
Prospect  and  George  streets.  It  was  founded  in  1164: 
and  incorporated  in  February,  of  the  same  year. 

"  As  early  as  the  year  1707,  the  Philadelphia  Bap- 
tist Association,  composed  of  the  Baptist  Churches  in 
that  vicinity,  was  formed,"  having  in  view  the  prosper- 
ity of  the  denomination  in  America.  Among  other  ob- 
jects which  that  body  favored,  was  an  educated  minis- 
try. And  as  the  colleges  then  existing  were  under  se- 
vere restrictions  of  a  sectarian  character,  and  as  candidates 
for  their  ministry  were  often  subjected  to  great  embar- 
rassments, the  plan  was  suggested  to  establish  an  insti- 
tution for  their  own  young  men,  the  advantages  of  which 
however  should  be  made  equally  free  to  persons  of  all 
religious  persuasions.  The  distinct  project  of  such  an 
establishment  in  this  State,  is  conceded   to  the  Rev. 


70 

^Morgan  Edwards,  a  distinguished  Baptist  minister  of 
Wales,  who  arrived  in  this  country  in  1761,  and  soon 
after  settled  in  Philadelphia  as  Pastor  of  the  First  Bap- 
tist Church  in  that  city.  Immediately  after  the  plan  of 
a  college  was  attempted,  Mr.  Edwards  made  very  vigor- 
ous efforts  both  in  this  country  and  in  England  to  ob- 
tain books  for  its  library,  and  funds  for  its  endowment ; 
and  he  was  mainly  instrumental  in  obtaining  its  Char- 
ter. In  1762  the  Philadelphia  Baptist  Association,  hav- 
ing projected  this  institution,  appointed  Rev.  James 
Manning,  a  recent  graduate  at  Princeton,  New  Jersey, 
to  visit  Rhode  Island  and  ascertain  if  this  object  would 
not  receive  the  sympathies  of  the  denomination  in  a 
State  formed  by  men  w^hose  sentiments  after  its  settle- 
ment had  been  developed  as  Baptist.  In  accordance 
with  his  instructions  Mr.  Manning  visited  Newport,  and 
made  known  the  plan  and  desires  of  the  Association  to 
the  Governor  and  Deputy  Governor  residing  in  that 
town,  and  also  to  thirteen  other  gentlemen,  all  of 
whom  were  members  of  the  Baptist  churches  then  es- 
tablished in  the  place.  From  all  of  these  gentlemen 
he  at  once  received  the  most  encouraging  assurances. 
The  question  of  the  location  of  the  College  was  the  next 
in  order.  And  as  no  funds  had  been  raised,  it  seemed 
proper,  at  least  in  its  beginning,  that  a  town  in  which 
its  presiding  officer  could  officiate  as  pastor  of  a  church, 
in  order  to  secure  in  part  a  pecuniary  support,  would 
furnish  the  greatest  security  for  the  permanent  success 
of  the  College.  And  as  there  were  at  that  time  some 
sixty  Baptist  communicants  living  in  the  town  of  War- 
ren, who  were  members  of  Baptist  Churches  in  Swansea, 
Newport,  and  elsewhere,  it  was  decided  by  the  above 


71 

mentioned  gentlemen,  and  the  friends  of  the  College 
generally,  that  Mr.  Manning  should  take  up  his  resi- 
dence in  that  town,  and  become  pastor  of  a  church, 
which  it  was  also  proposed  should  be  constituted  by 
these  Baptist  communicants.  Accordingly  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1764  Mr.  Manning  removed  to  Warren,  and  on 
the  15th  of  November  ensuing,  the  Baptist  Church  in 
that  place  was  formed,  and  he  became  its  first  pastor. 
The  exercises  were  conducted  by  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John 
Gano  of  New  York,  Gardner  Thurston  of  Newport,  and 
Ebenezer  Hinds  of  Middleborough.  The  sermon  was 
delivered  by  Mr.  Gano.  In  September  1765,  Mr.  Man- 
ning was  elected  President  of  the  College,  and  continued 
to  exercise  his  collegiate  and  pastoral  duties  for  more 
than  five  years  in  that  town.  On  the  7th  of  September, 
1769,  the  first  Commencement  was  celebrated  at  Warren, 
and  seven  young  men  took  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of 
Arts.  Up  to  this  period  there  had  been  no  public  edifice 
erected  for  the  accommodation  of  the  College,  The  ex- 
ercises of  Commencement  awakened  the  sympathies  of 
residents  in  many  places  in  the  Colony,  who  soon  after 
that  occasion,  made  applications  to  the  Corporation  for 
its  permanent  establishment  within  their  boundaries. 
The  towns  of  Warren,  Providence,  Newport,  and  East 
Greenwich,  representing  four  counties  of  the  State,  all 
preferred  their  claims  as  presenting  each  respectively  the 
most  eligible  situation.  The  towns  of  Providence  and 
Newport  were  the  two  ablest  competitors,  the  former  of- 
ering  a  subscription  of  £4280,  and  the  latter  of  £'4000. 
February  7th,  1770,  the  Corporation  by  a  vote  of  tAventy- 
one  to  fourteen  decided  that  the  edifice  should  be  built 
in  Providence,  and  that  there  the  College  should  be  con- 
tinued forever.     Accordingly  Mr.  Manning  removed  to 


72 

Providence,  and  opened  the  institution  in  May,  1770, 
where  all  its  exercises  have  since  been  held,  vv^ith  a  tem- 
porary suspension  only  of  some  few  years  during  the 
revolutionary  war. 

The  University  received  its  present  name  in  honor  of 
its  most  liberal  benefactor,  the  late  Hon,  Nicholas 
Brown  of  Providence,  by  a  vote  of  the  Corporation  passed 
September  6,  1804. 

It  will  be  seen  from  the  foregoing  statements  that 
this  University  was  projected  and  established  by  the 
Baptists,  and  that  the  Catholic  spirit  of  its  Charter  was 
introduced  because  of  the  rigid  sectarian  character  of 
the  existing  colleges.  The  College  at  first  was  in  their 
own  hands  and  might  have  remained  under  their  control 
wholly.  But  under  the  circumstances  they  preferred 
that  other  denominations  should  be  represented  in  the 
government  of  the  institution.  There  were  at  that  time 
when  its  Charter  was  granted,  but  four  denominations 
of  christians  existing  in  the  State,  and  from  each  of  these 
a  selection  was  made  according  to  the  numerical  number 
of  each.  There  were  incorporated  thirty-six  Trustees, 
twenty-two  of  whom  by  the  Charter,  are  to  be  forever 
Baptists ;  five  to  be  of  the  denomination  called  Friends, 
or  Quakers  ;  four  Congregationalists,  and  five  Episcopa- 
lians. There  is  incorporated  also  another  branch  in  the 
government,  styled  the  Fellowship,  consisting  of  twelve 
members,  including  the  President,  "  eight  of  whom  are 
to  be  Baptists,  and  the  rest  indefinitely  of  any  or  all  de- 
nominations."    The  President  must  be  a  Baptist. 

Among  the  provisions  of  the  Charter  is  the  following: 
"That  into  this  liberal  and  Catholic  institution  shall 
never  be  admitted  any  religious  tests:    But   on  the  con- 


73 

trary  all  tlie  members  hereof  shall  forever  enjoy  full, 
free,  absolute  and  uninterrupted  liberty  of  conscience: 
And  that  the  places  of  Professors,  Tutors,  and  all  other 
officers,  the  President  alone  excepted,  shall  be  free  and 
open  for  all  denominations  of  Protestants :  And  that 
youth  of  all  religious  denominations  shall  and  may  be 
freely  admitted  to  the  equal  advantages,  emoluments, 
and  honors  of  the  College  or  University :  And  that  the 
public  teaching  shall,  in  general,  respect  the  sciences  ; 
and  that  the  sectarian  differences  of  opinions  shall  not 
make  any  part  of  the  public  and   classical  instruction." 

In  1850  material  changes  were  made  in  the  system  of 
instruction  given  at  this  institution  ;  the  range  of  studies 
was  greatly  extended,  and  the  sum  of  ^125,000  (raised 
by  subscription  mostly  among  the  citizens  of  Provi- 
dence) was  added  to  the  College  funds,  thus  augmenting 
them  to  about  ^200,000.  The  College  Library  contains 
upwards  of  25,000  choice  and  well  selected  volumes,  and 
the  Libraries  of  the  Philermenian  and  United  Brothers 
Societies  connected  with  the  University  contain  6000  ad- 
ditional volumes,  making  32,000  volumes  in  all. 

Brown  University  therefore,  possessing  ample  college 
buildings,  grounds,  and  funds,  and  having  a  large  and 
excellent  library,  and  being  furnished  with  full  supplies 
of  apparatus  in  every  department  of  science,  and  with 
competent  instructers  in  ancient  and  modern  learning, 
is  adapted  to  the  demands  of  a  classical,  mechanical, 
mercantile,  moral,  and  physical  education.  From  it 
have  gone  forth  1804  graduates,  who  have  honored  alike 
themselves  and  their  Alma  Mater  in  the  various  walks 
of  professional  life  ;  a  very  large  number  of  individuals 
have  also  received  partial  instruction  at  this  seat  of  learn- 


74 

ing.  The  number  of  students  or  undergraduates  now  con- 
nected with  the  University  is  283.  From  1 827,  President 
Wayland  has  presided  over  its  various  interests  ;  and 
during  this  period  of  twenty-eight  years,  a  large  num- 
ber of  gentlemen  occupying  the  learned  professions  and 
other  equally  useful  stations  in  New  England  and  else- 
where, have  received  their  moulding  under  his  efficient 
and  most  admirable  training. 

This  Institution  has  received  the  instructions  of  four 
Presidents.  Its  first,  was  its  founder  James  Manning  of 
Nassau  Hall  College,  Princeton,  who  entered  upon  the 
duties  of  his  office,  September,  1765,  and  continued  until 
his  death,  which  occured  at  4  o'clock,  A.  M  ,  July  29th, 
1791,  at  his  own  residence.  He  was  succeeded  by  Jona- 
than Maxcy  of  the  class  of  1787,  who  resigned  in  1802, 
and  who  has  since  died.  The  same  year,  Asa  Messer  of 
the  class  of  1790,  was  elected  to  the  presidency;  he  re- 
signed in  1826,  and  has  since  deceased.  In  1827,  Fran- 
cis Wayland,  Jr.,  of  Union  College,  became  its  presid- 
ing officer. 

No  college  has  been  conducted  more  faithfully  on 
the  principles  recognized  at  its  origin,  than  this.  Young 
men  of  every  religious  persuasion,  and  even  those  who 
claimed  to  adhere  to  no  persuasion  whatever,  have  always 
found  themselves  perfectly  at  liberty  to  pursue  their  own 
views  unrestricted  by  any  undue  influence  from  the  Fac- 
ulty of  instruction.  The  discipline  has  always  compared 
favorably  with  that  of  kindred  colleges  ;  and  in  no  insti- 
tution are  greater  advantages  afforded  to  students  in 
every  department  of  useful  learning  than  are  tendered  to 
youth  in  this,  and  that  too  without  regard  to  their  de- 
nominational or  religious  preferences. 


75 

At  the  eighty-fifth  anniversary  of  the  Warren  Asso- 
ciation, held  in  the  town  of  Warren,  Sept.  1  and  2, 
1852,  the  twenty-second  minute  reads  as  follows,  viz  : 
"  The  Rev.  H.  Jackson  presented  the  following 
preamble  and  resolutions,  which,  after  an  animated  dis- 
cussion, participated  in  by  the  Rev.  H.  Jackson,  J.  N. 
Granger,  B.  Miner,  R.  A.  Fyfe,  T.  C.  Jameson  and  Dr. 
Wayland,  were  unanimously  adopted,  viz : 

Whereas  in  the  year  1764:,  the  fathers  of  this  Asso- 
ciation met  in  this  town,  the  town  of  Warren,  and 
founded  Rhode  Island  College,  now  denominated  Brown 
University,  and  commended  the  Institution  to  the  pat- 
ronage of  these  and  other  churches  ;  therefore. 

Resolved,  First,  That  we,  the  members  of  this  Asso- 
ciation in  1852,  cordially  respond  to  the  call  of  those 
fathers,  and  strongly  sympathize  with  them  in  the  great 
interests  of  that  venerable  seat  of  learning. 

Resolved^  Second,  That  as  the  Warren  Association  at 
its  first  anniversary  in  the  year  1 767,  eighty-five  years  ago 
this  month,  solemnly  consecrated  the  College,  then  in 
its  infancy,  to  Science  and  the  Church,  we  in  our  place 
do,  on  this  2d  day  of  September,  1852,  solemnly  and 
heartily  renew  the  Covenant  then  written  and  confirmed. 
And  therefore. 

Resolved,  Third,  That  we  recommend  this  University 
to  the  deep  sympathy  and  earnest  prayers  of  the  church- 
es of  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Great 
Head  of  the  church,  of  whom  the  whole  family  in  heaven 
and  earth  is  named,  that  the  young  men,  who  there  re- 
sort for  an  education,  may  be  strengthened  with  might 
by  his  Spirit  in  the  inner  man,  and  that  the  Spirit  of 
the  heavenly  Teacher  may  dwell  in  them  by  faith,  aiid 
that  they  may  be  filled  with  all  the  fulness  of  God>" 


76 

It  will  not  be  improper  to  remark  in  this  connexion, 
that  the  cause  of  education  had  received  considerable  at- 
tention in  the  State  at  large  prior  to  the  e?tablished 
public  schools  in  1800,  although  there  has  never  been 
made  sufficient  provision  for  the  w^ants  of  the  popula- 
tion. Nevertheless  we  should  be  grateful  that  previous- 
ly to  that  period,  there  were  academies  in  operation  in 
all  the  counties,  and  in  some  of  them,  several,  besides  a 
large  number  of  private  schools. 

In  the  returns  of  the  State  Commissioner,  the  Hon. 
E.  R.  Potter  of  Kingstown,  for  January,  1853,  it  ap- 
pears that  the  population  in  the  State  under  fifteen  years 
old  was  in  June,  1850,  47,357;  and  that  of  this  num- 
ber 28,331  attended  school  within  that  year,  and  that 
2,744  could  not  read  or  write.  That  the  whole  num- 
ber of  scholars  connected  with  the  schools  in  1852  ac- 
cording to  the  returns  (several  districts  not  reporthig) 
received  by  him  was  26,187,  averaging  in  attendance 
18,772;  and  that  of  these  scholars  13,979  were  males, 
and  12,208  were  females.  And  that  there  were  263 
male  teachers  and  345  female  teachers,  (608  teachers, 
furnishing  to  every  teacher  43  scholars,)  making  a  total 
of  26,798.  Of  the  47,857  youths  under  15  years, 
13,898  were  not  four  years  of  age,  leaving  33,959  over 
4  and  under  15.  Of  the  33,959  youths,  28,331  attend- 
ed school,  which  leaves  5,628  not  reported.  Making  only 
a  reasonable  allowance  for  incompetency  by  physical 
and  mental  inability,  and  for  instruction  obtained  other- 
wise than  in  regular  schools,  and  the  result  will  show 
that  the  youth  of  our  State  are  to  a  great  extent  receiv- 
ing more  or  less  education  at  school.  It  is  confidently 
believed  that  under  the  present  system  of  management, 


77 

the  number  of  scholars  and  of  teachers  will  be  increased  ; 
and  that  education  both  in  character  and  extent  will 
greatly  improve. 

The  following  gentlemen   constitute  the  government 
of  Brown  University,  1853-1. 

BOARD  OF  FELLOWS. 
Rev.  FRANCIS  WAYLAND,  D.  D.  L  L.  D.,  Prrsidext. 
Rev.  Natliau  B.  Crocker,  D.  D.  Rev.  Alvan  Bond,  D.  D. 

Rev.  Robert  E.  Pattison,  D.  D.  Alexander  Duncan,  A.  M. 

Hon.  John  Pitman,  L  L.  D.  Hon.  Isaac  Davis,  L  L.  D. 

Hon.  Richard  Fletcher,  L  L.  D.  Rev.  James  N.  Granger,  A.  M. 

Hon.  James  H.  Duncan,  A.  M.  John  Kingsbury,  A.  M. 

John  Carter  Brown,  A.  M. 

John  Kixgsbury,  A.  M.,  Secretary. 
Moses  Browx  Ives,  Treasurer. 

BOARD  OF  TRUSTEES. 
Hon.  John  Brown  Francis,  President. 

*Hon.  Ti'istam  Purges,  L  L.  D.  Rev.  Baron  Stow,  D.  D. 

Sullivan  Dorr,  Rev.  Edward  B.  Hall,  D.  D. 

Rev.  David  Benedict,  D.  D.  Hon.  Edward  Mellen,  A.  M. 

Moses  Brown  Ives,  A.  M.  Nathan  Bishop,  A.  M. 

Hon.  Richard  W.  Greene,  L  L.  D.  Rev.  Alva  Woods,  D.  D. 

Richard  J.  Arnold,  A.  M.  Rev.  Thomas  Vernon,  A.  M. 

Zachariah  Allen,  L  L.  D.  William  A.  Crocker,  A.  M. 

Hon.  Tomas  Burgess,  Rev.  Arthur  S.  Train,  A.  M. 
Rev.  Rutus  BabcoLik,  D.  D.  Horatio  N.  Slater,  A.  M. 

Rev.  Henry  Jackson,  A.  M.  Rev.  Samuel  B.  Swaim, 

Hon.  Levi  Haile,  A.  M.  Hon.  Samuel  G.  Arnold,  A.  M. 

Hon.  Heman  Lincoln,  Hon.  Thomas  P.  Shepard,  M.  D. 

Samuel  Boyd  Tobey,  M.  D.  George  Rowland,  A.  M. 

Hon.  Benjamin  B.  Thurston,  Hon.  Charles  Thurber,  A.  M. 
Rev.  William  Phillips,  A.  M.  Albert  Day, 

Rev.  William  Hague,  D.  D.  Rev.  Sewall  S.  Cutting. 

Robert  H.  Ives,  A.  M. 

*Deceased  October  13,  1853. 

EXECUTIVE    BOARD. 
Rev.  FRANCIS  WAYLAND,  D.  D.  L  L.  D.,  Chairman. 
Rev.  Nathan  B.  Crocker,  D.  D.  John  Kingsbury,  A.  M. 

Hon.  John  Pitman,  L  L.  D.  John  C.  Brown,  A.  M. 

Moses  Brown  Ives,  A.  M.  Rev.  James  N.  Granger,  A.  M. 

Samuel  B.  Tobey,  M.  D.  lion.  Samuel  G.  Arnold,  A.  M. 

Rev.  Alva  Woods,  D.  D. 

John  KiNOSBrRY,  A.  M.,  Secretary  of  the  Board. 


78 

COMMITTEE  OF  AWARD. 
Rev.  Francis  Waylaxd,     Moses  B.  Ives,     John  Kingsbury. 


MEMBERS  OF  THE  FACULTY,  AND  OTHER  OFFICERS. 

Rev.  Francis  Wayland,  D.  D.,  L  L.  D.,  President,  and  Professor  of 
Moral  and  Intellectual  Philosophy. 

Rev.  Alexis   Caswell,  D.  D.,  Regent,  and  Professor  ot  Mathematics 
and  Physical  Astronomy. 

George  I.  Chace,  P.  D.,  LL.  D.,  Professor  of  Chemistry  and  Physiology, 
and  of  Chemistry  applied  to  the  Arts. 

WtLLiAM  Gammell,  A.  M.,  Professor  of  History  and  Political  Economy. 

John  L.  Lincoln,  A.  M.,  Professor  of  the  Latin  Language  and  Literature. 

Rev.  Robinson  P.   Dunn,  A.  M.,  Professor  of  Rhetoric  and  English 
Literature. 

Samuel  S.  Greene,  A.  M.,  Professor  of  Didactics. 

James  B.  Angell,  A.  M.,  Professor  of  Modern  Languages. 

Rev.  Henry  Day,  A.  M.,  Professor  of  Natural  Philosophy  and   Civil 
Engineei'ing. 

Nelson  Wheeler,  A.  M.,  Professor  of  the  Greek  Language  and 
Literature. 

William  F.  Webster,  A.  B.,  Assistant  to  the  Professor  of  Chemistry. 

Reuben  A.  Guild,  A.  M.,  Librarian. 

Edward  T.  Caswell,  A.  B.,  Assistant  Librarian. 

Lemuel  H.  Elliott,  Register. 

In  the  city  of  Providence  there  are  forty-eight  relig- 
ious congregations  assembling  on  the  Sabbath,  repre- 
senting fifteen  denominations  of  professing  christians, 
all  existing  on  the  voluntary  principle  in  a  State  where, 
concerning  religious  compulsion,  there  has  never  been 
enacted  in  any  form  a  law ;  but  every  citizen  is  re- 
commended by  his  Excellency  the  Governor  to  offer 
thanksgiving  upon  his  own  acknowledged  altar,  and  to 
observe  God's  holy  day  in  a  manner  becoming,  and  in 
accordance  with  the  requisitions  of  the  Bible. 

Of  these  forty-eight  assemblies,  four  meet  in  public 
halls.  To  these  several  denominations  are  assigned 
their  proportion  of  seats  and  their  estimated  value  in 
the  annexed  table,  viz  : 


79 

Denominations.  Seats.  Valuation. 

Associated  Baptists, 6,300 $179,700 

Orthe.  Congregationalists, 5,975 148,200 

Roman    Catholics 5,150 98,(-00 

Methodist  Episcopal, 3,365 61,800 

Episcopalians, 3,150 110,000 

Unitarian  Congregationalists, 2,350 1 1 8,000 

Universalists, 1,450 53,200 

Christians, 1,000 12,000 

Free  Will  Baptists, 1,000 10,000 

Mariners'  Church, 700 4,500 

"Wesleyan  Methodists, 500 6,000 

Society  of  Friends, 500 20,000 

Second  Adventists, 400 

Associated  Scotch  Pres., 3o0 . 3,000 

New  Jerusalem, 250 4,000 

Total  of  Scats  and  Valuation,  32,400  $829,700 

There  are  therefore  in  this  city  in  the  forty  places  of 
public  worship  32,400  seats,  and  ^829,700  property  in 
church  premises,  being  full  one  half  of  the  pecuniary 
investments  of  this  character  in  the  State,  and  as  I  have 
before  stated  nearly  one  third  of  the  pew  accommodations. 

Of  these  forty-eight  meetings,  there  are  seven  Ortho- 
dox Congregational,  four  Roman  Catholic,  six  Meth- 
odist and  Episcopal,  four  Episcopal,  three  Unitarian 
Congregational,  two  Universalist,  two  Christian,  four 
Eree  Will  Baptist,  one  Mariner,  one  Wesleyan  Metho- 
dist, one  Society  of  Eriends,  two  Second  Advent,  one 
Scotch  Presbyterian,  one  New  Jerusalem,  and  nine  As- 
sociated Baptists. 

The  Eirst  Baptist  Church  is  the  representative  of  the 
first  individuals  who  were  publicly  baptized  by  immer- 
sion in  America,  the  original  church  having  consisted, 
in  part  of  the  organization  thus  formed  in  1 G38-9  ;— and 
it  has  continued  until  the  present  time  in  the  neighbor- 
hood where  Williams  and  his  associates  were  immersed 


80 

And  so  universally  received  has  been  this  impression 
that  Callender,  our  oldest  historian  places  it  first  in  or- 
der, and  the  Legislature  as  late  as  May,  1774,  grants  a 
charter  in  which  they  say  it  is  "  the  oldest  Christian 
Church  in  this  Colony,"  and  hence  in  existence  first, 
and  before  any  other  church  of  whatever  profession, 
within  their  jurisdiction. 

In  relation  to  the  division  in  this  church  in  1652-3, 
the  Rev.  John  Comer  is  the  only  author  that  I  have 
seen  who  has  given  any  particular  account  of  that  event. 
Backus,  Benedict  and  Staples  quote  from  him  all  that 
they  have  stated  respecting  it.  Nor  does  Hopkins  give 
any  other  authority.  The  records  of  the  Providence 
church,  it  is  said,  are  not  sufficiently  accurate  to  decide 
the  question  authoritatively  ;  nor  according  to  Backus, 
Vol.  II,  Page  3,  are  the  records  of  the  church  in  New- 
port in  much  better  condition,  for  as  he  writes,  this 
"  church  had  but  seventeen  members  when  he,  Mr.  Co- 
mer, "  came  there,  in  1726  ;  neither  had  they  any  church 
records  before  he  got  a  book  and  collected  into  it  the 
best  accounts  that  he  could  obtain  of  their  former  af- 
fairs." Who  then  was  Mr.  Comer  ?  He  was  born  in 
Boston,  August  1st,  1704;  baptized  in  that  town  Janu- 
ary 31st,  1725  ;  settled  as  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist 
Church  in  Newport,  May  19th,  1726;  dismissed  from 
his  pastoral  office  January  8th,  1729;  preached  as  a 
supply  for  nearly  two  years  in  the  Second  Baptist 
Church  in  Newport ;  settled  as  pastor  of  the  Baptist 
Church  in  llehoboth  January  26th,  1732,  and  died  of 
consumption  in  that  town.  May  23d,  1734,  aged  29 
years,  9  months  and  22  days.  He  was  a  gentleman  of 
education,  piety,  and  of  great   success  in  his   profession. 


81 

During  his  brief  life  he  collected  a  large  body  of  facts, 
intending  at  some  future  period  to  write  the  history  of 
the  American  Baptist  Churches.  His  manuscripts  he 
never  printed,  nor  did  he  as  I  learn  ever  prepare  them  for 
publication.  He  w^as  unable  to  revise  them,  and  they 
were  left  in  their  original  condition.  Nevertheless  he 
made  an  able  and  most  valuable  contribution  to  Rhode 
Island  history.  His  papers  were  written  probably  about 
the  year  1729,  or  in  1731.  The  Rev.  John  Callender, 
his  successor  in  the  Newport  Church,  was  settled  Oct. 
13th,  1731.  He  was  a  contemporary  with  Mr.  Comer, 
and  in  all  probability  also  an  intimate  correspondent. 
As  Mr.  Comer  united  with  the  church  in  Boston,  of 
which  Rev.  Elisha  Callender,  an  uncle  of  the  Newport 
pastor,  was  the  minister,  and  as  they  even  resided  togeth- 
er at  the  same  time  in  Newport,  the  writings  of  Comer 
must  have  been  well  known  to  Mr.  John  Callender.  And 
especially,  inasmuch  as  while  he  was  preparing  his  Cen- 
tury Sermon  in  1738,  he  must  have  had  access  to  them 
and  indeed  to  all  sources  from  which  Comer  had  derived 
his  knowledge  of  the  events  which  he  described.  And  yet 
Mr.  Callender  in  that  discourse  does  not  intimate,  as  Mr. 
Comer  is  made  to  say,  that  the  church  in  Providence  of 
which  Mr.  Wickenden  was  an  elder,  was  a  new  church ; 
and  that  the  church  in  that  same  place  of  which  Mr.  01- 
ney  was  pastor,  was  the  original  body  organized  there  in 
1639  ;  but  he  states  simply,  that  "  about  the  year  1653-4 
there  was  a  division  in  the  Baptist  Church  at  Providence, 
about  the  right  of  laying  on  of  hands."  Hereupon  they 
walked  in  two  churches,  one  under  Mr.  C.  Browne,  Mr. 
Wickenden,  &c ,  the  other  under  Mr.  Thomas  Olney." 
The  question  here  arises,  which  of  these  two  bodies  was 


82 

in  the  opinion  of  Mr.  Callender  the  original  church  ^ 
This  he  does  not  decide,  and  yet  when  he  wrote  that  dis- 
course four  years  after  Mr.  Comer's  death,  he  was  pos- 
sessed of  all  the  information  which  Mr.  Comer  had 
obtained,  and  was  better  qualified  to  give  an  opinion, 
for  he  employed  six  months  for  revision  and  still  further 
researches ; — and  to  use  his  own  language  in  his  dedi- 
cation article,  '  I  hope  there  are  few  or  no  errors 
in  the  matters  of  fact  related,  or  the  dales  that  are 
assigned.  To  prevent  any  mistakes,  I  have  carefully 
reviewed  the  public  records,  and  my  other  materials ; 
this  review  has  brought  to  my  knowledge  or  remem- 
brance, many  things  that  were  not  mentioned  in  the  pul- 
pit, which  however  it  seemed  ought  not  to  be  omitted." 
And  had  he  believed  that  the  Newport  Church  was  the 
first  in  America,  he  never  would  have  placed  that  at 
Providence  in  the  position  in  which  he  has.  His  order 
in  the  arrangement  is  peculiar.  He  places  Mr.  Olney's 
church  as  second,  "  one  under  Mr.  C.  Browne,  Mr. 
Wickenden,  &c.,  the  other  under  Mr.  Thomas  Olney  ; 
but  laying  on  of  hands  at  length  generally  obtained." 
"  This  last  continued  till  about  twenty  years  since,  when 
becoming  destitute  of  an  elder,  the  members  were  united 
with  other  churches.  At  present,  there  is  some  pros- 
pect of  their  re-establishment  in  church  order."  Evident- 
ly Mr.  Callender  had  in  his  mind  the  existing  church  from 
the  beginning  of  its  organization  in  1639  ;  for  he  con- 
tinues his  history  of  it  in  the  next  paragraph  save  one. 
"  This  Church  that  out  into  divers  branches,  &c.,"  re- 
ferring to  the  same  body,  which  he  began  to  describe  in 
page  109,  (Elton's  Callender;)  nor  did  he  stop  after  he  had 
informed  us  of  the  ceasing  of  the  Olney  church  in  1718, 


83 

but  continued  the  history  of  the  church  "  under  Mr. 
Browne,  Wickenden,  &c.,"  till  he  came  to  account  for 
the  rise  of  the  Newport  church  on  pages  1 16-17,  of  the 
same  edition.  The  history  of  Callender  is  therefore  in 
my  judgment,  the  history  of  the  First  Baptist  Church 
existing  in  Providence  from  1639  until  his  times; — and 
this  church  will,  it  is  believed,  continue  to  be  a  Baptist 
church  to  serve  successive  generations  who  will  require 
the  same  gospel  which  their  fathers  loved  while  living, 
and  triumphed  in  while  dying. 

For  myself  I  do  not  question  that  had  Comer  lived 
until  1739,  he  would  have  sympathized  with  Mr.  Cal- 
lender entirely  in  the  chronology  of  these  and  other 
churches,  and  of  the  various  events  of  which  the  latter 
has  so  calmly,  and  cautiously,  and  judiciously  written  ; 
a  production,  concerning  which  Judge  Staples  has  said, 
"  no  publication  of  the  kind  deserves  higher  praise  for 
impartiality,  candor,  and  research." 

As  to  Mr.  Olney  we  have  no  knowledge  of  his  ordi- 
nation. It  is  recorded  that  in  1642,  Chad.  Browne  was 
ordained  an  elder  in  the  Providence  Church.  At  a  sub- 
sequent period,  while  together  in  New  York,  it  is  also 
recorded  that  Mr.  Browne  ordained  Mr.  William  Wick- 
enden to  the  same  ministry.  Gregory  Dexter  was  also 
an  elder  in  the  same  church  before  the  division  in  1652. 
Olney,  Brown,  and  Wickenden,  were  members  of  the 
community  concerning  whom  Gov.  Winthrop  said,  "  Mr. 
Williams  and  the  rest  did  make  an  order  that  no  man 
should  be  molested  for  his  conscience  ;"  and  who  in 
their  own  code  prescribed  "  only  in  civil  things,"  would 
they  be  governed  by  legal  enactments.  And  Wicken- 
den, Olney  and  Dexter  were  members  of  the  first   Gen- 


84 

eral  Assembly  at  Portsmouth  in  May,  1647.  At  the 
time  of  the  division  before  referred  to,  there  were  four 
elders  in  that  church,  viz :  Chad.  Browne,  William  Wick- 
enden, Gregory  Dexter,  and  Thomas  Olney.  Is  it  not 
probable  that  as  three  of  these  remained  in  the  one,  and 
only  one  of  them  in  the  other,  that  the  former,  although 
they  did  introduce  a  new  ceremony  into  the  church, 
were  the  majority  of  the  original  church,  and  the  latter 
the  minority  X  For  with  the  former  there  are  connected 
whatever  records  which  are  in  existence,  and  to  it  also 
Callender,  Hopkins,  Backus,  and  Benedict  refer  as 
being  the  First  Baptist  Church  in  Providence.  Indeed 
they  never  intimate  that  it  was  not  the  original  church, 
even  with  the  writings  of  Comer  in  their  hands.  Callen- 
der  assuredly  wrote  of  both  these  churches  and  also  of 
the  one  at  Newport,  and  he  said  that  the  church  in  Prov- 
idence was  first  in  order;  nor  does  he  give  room  for  any 
suspicion  that  the  one  existing  in  that  town  in  1738, 
was  not  the  original  body.  Certainly  had  there  been  any 
doubt  in  his  mind,  he  would  not  in  that  year,  twenty 
years  subsequent  to  the  disbandment  of  the  Olney  church, 
have  chronicled  the  church  then  in  being,  as  the  Baptist 
Church  in  Providence  from  the  days  of  Williams,  and 
the  first  in  order  in  our  denomination  in  this  country. 
In  addition  to  the  fact  that  no  early  reference  to  the 
church  of  Mr.  Olney  is  found  in  print  save  that  which 
Callender  has  made,  viz:  that  it  ceased  in  1718  to  be  a 
church,  and  that  its  members  sought  membership  in 
other  churches,  the  unanimous  voice  of  Baptists  and 
others  has  awarded  to  the  First  church  the  claim  which 
generation  after  generation  has  been  compelled  to  al- 
low, viz  :  that  of  priority.     And  is  it  not  impossible  that 


85 

this  claim  can  be  otherwise  than  just,  when  Callender, 
although  he  had  been  in  communion  and  conversation 
with  Comer,  presents  notwithstanding  a  version  of  the 
case,  destitute  of  the  main  discrimination  of  the  manu- 
script writings  of  the  latter  '?  And  is  it  not  probable  that 
if  Mr.  Comer  had  been  living  in  1738,  with  the  revision 
and  research  of  his  writings  and  attainments  which  Cal- 
lender gave  to  his  preparations,  these  two  men  of  New- 
port distinguished  in  Baptist  history  and  Baptist  princi- 
ples, would  have  united  in  their  testimony,  that  the 
church  formed  at  the  baptism  of  Williams,  has  come 
down  in  regular  descent,  thus  making  the  First  Baptist 
Church  in  Providence  in  March  1854,  two  hundred  and 

FIFTEEN  YEARS  OLD  ]* 

The  former  edifice  of  the  existing  church  stood  on 
the  north  side  of  Smith,  corner  of  Smith  and  North 
Main  streets  ;  the  one  which  they  now  occupy  was  erect- 
ed in  1776,  in  the  centre  of  a  beautiful  and  almost  ob- 
long square,  about  two  hundred  by  three  hundred  feet, 
bounded  by  North  Main,  Thomas,  Benefit,  and  Presi- 
dent streets.  It  is  surrounded  by  an  open  fence,  with 
neat  walks  of  brick  laid  from  its  gate  ways  through  the 
green  surface  to  the  various  doors  of  the  house,  made 
on  each  side  of  the  square,  so  that  it  can  be  vacated  in 
the  least  time  of  any  building  of  its  size  among  us.  The 
house  is  eighty  feet  square,  with  an  addition  of  16  feet, 

*Tlic  venerable  Stephen  Hopkins,  for  eight  years  Governor  of  the  Colony, 
but  Avho  is  better  known  as  one  of  the  signers  of  the  declaration  of  indepen- 
dence, in  his  account  of  Providence  published  in  17Co,  (Sec  Mass.  Hist.  Col. 
2d  series,  vol.  9)  states  as  follows.  "  This  first  church  of  Baptists,  at  Provi- 
dence, gathered  and  Ibnned  some  time  earlier  than  1639,  hath  from  its  begin- 
ning kept  itself  in  repute,  and  maintained  its  discipline,  so  as  to  avoid  scan- 
dal, or  schism,  to  this  day ;  hath  always  been,  and  still  is  a  numerous  congre- 
gation, and  in  which  I  have  with  pleasure  observed,  very  lately,  sundry 
descendants  from  each  of  the  above  named  ibnndcrs,  except  Holliman." 


86 

thus  making  it  96  by  80  feet.  It  has  a  steeple  212  feet 
high.  It  is  built  of  wood,  and  is  furnished  with  galler- 
ies, vestries,  bell,  clock,  and  organ.  There  are  144  pews 
on  the  floor.  The  building  is  a  noble  structure,  and 
seems  to  hold  its  superiority  in  symmetry  of  architecture, 
simplicity  of  design,  and  beauty  of  execution,  notwith- 
standing the  various  attempts  made  at  different  times 
to  excel  it.  And  it  is  most  ardently  desired  that  no  ef- 
fort on  the  part  of  the  society  will  be  withheld  to  pre- 
serve it  for  many  years  to  come  in  its  firmness  and 
strength.  The  architect  was  Joseph  Brown,  the  build- 
er, T.  Sumner.  In  this  house  from  its  first  opening, 
the  college  in  Providence  has  held  its  annual  commence- 
ments ;  and  on  these  occasions  we  should  sigh  after  com- 
mencement were  it  not  celebrated,  even  as  we  did  when 
the  anniversary  of  Brown  was  celebrated  upon  one  sad 
"Wednesday  in  July,  instead  of  on  the  good  old  first 
Wednesday  in  September,  at  9|  of  the  clock,  A.  M. 
But  tlie  original  day  has  been  restored  ;  not  so  we  fear 
this  house  would  ba  restored  should  it  by  fire  or  other- 
wise be  destroyed.  Indeed  it  was  in  reality  an  emana- 
tion from  the  college,  for  it  would  never  have  been 
built,  had  not  the  Browns  and  others  erected  it  in  part 
for  the  accommodation  of  the  college. 

The  whole  premises,  together  with  parsonage  and 
some  funds  of  the  Society,  at  census  valuation,  are  ap- 
praised at  ;^  100,000.  The  house  seats  1500,  congrega- 
tion  900,  average  600. 

This  church  has  long  been  distinguished  for  the  ben- 
evolence of  its  members,  and  at  numerous  times  has  en- 
joyed precious  revivals  of  religion.  From  age  to  age  it 
has  stood  a  monument  to  the  truth  ;  and   distant   may 


87 

that  day  be,  when  its  influence  and  its  benevolence  shall 
in  any  measure  be  lessened.  The  deacons  are  N.  Bump, 
V.  J.  Bates,  J.  H.  Read,  W.  Andrews,  and  M.  Lyon. 
The  minister  is  sustained  by  taxes  upon  the  pews. 

More  than  a  century  and  an  half  had  elapsed,  and 
about  thirty  years  after  the  erection  of  the  house  of  the 
First  church,  before  the  Second,  or  Pine  st.  church,  was 
organized.  In  1805  a  colony  from  the  mother  church 
was  constituted  a  church,  and  an  edifice  was  erected, 
which  was  carried  away  by  the  flood  and  gale  of  the  23d  of 
September,  1815.  In  that  house  of  blessed  memory, 
many  treasures  were  laid  up  by  Cornell  and  Gano,  be- 
tween whom  as  pastors  beloved,  there  subsisted  an  un- 
broken fellowship  and  sympathy  in  labor,  yet  to  be 
brought  forth, — for  Jehovah  neither  confines  himself  to 
houses  made  with  hands,  nor  loses  his  redeemed,  if  the 
outer  sanctuary  be  destroyed.  The  following  year,  1816, 
and  on  the  same  site,  the  present  structure,  excepting 
an  enlargement  in  1837,  was  erected,  measuring  50  by 
90  feet,  with  a  tower  and  bell,  galleries  and  organ,  ves- 
tries and  106  pews.  It  is  capable  of  seating  900  and  is  val- 
ued at  ;$  10,000.  A  debt  of  ^1000  remains.  It  stands 
on  the  corner  of  Dorrance  street,  fronting  on  Pine,  from 
which  latter  street  it  took  its  name. 

This  church  has  enjoyed  many  refreshings  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord.  It  is  a  valuable  body,  and  if 
their  present  eff'ort  succeeds  to  build  in  a  better  location 
another  edifice,  which  they  greatly  need,  and  towards 
which  more  than  j^20,000  have  already  been  subscribed, 
we  may  expect  even  greater  aid  to  the  cause  of  truth 
than  they  have  hitherto  given.  The  deacons  are  "W. 
Ham,  B.  Gardner,  J.  J.  H.  Butler,  and  J.  Boyce.     Tlieir 


88 

minister  they  sustain  by  rents  of  pews.  Their  congre- 
gation is  500,  averaging  400. 

Sixteen  years  had  passed  away  before  another  Baptist 
Church  was  formed.  George  Dodds,  whose  memory 
can  never  be  forgotten,  residing  at  the  time  in  the  south- 
eastern section  of  the  town,  deeply  interested  in  the 
spiritual  condition  of  his  neighbors  and  other  citizens, 
by  untiring  perseverance  in  penny  collections  and  jour- 
neys abroad,  obtained  means  to  erect  the  Third  Baptist 
Meeting-house  in  1822.  It  is  situated  on  a  large  lot, 
on  the  corner  of  Wickenden  and  Hope  streets  ;  it  was 
enlarged  in  1838.  It  measures  45  by  71  feet,  and  has 
a  tower  and  orchestra,  extending  its  length  to  93  feet. 
It  is  furnished  with  bell,  organ,  galleries,  and  vestries, 
has  92  pews  on  the  floor,  and  is  valued  at  ;§fl4,000.  It 
will  seat  900,  has  a  congregation  of  600,  averaging  400. 
They  support  their  minister  by  pew  rents  and  subscrip- 
tions. The  deacons  are  W.  C.  Barker,  J.  Luther,  N. 
Mason,  S.  Barker,  S.  S.  Stillwell  and  I.  Goddard:  The 
church  was  constituted  in  1821. 

This  church  is  an  efficient  body  of  believers,  distin- 
guished for  their  liberality  and  the  spiritual  character 
of  their  social  meetings  ;  the  influence  which  they  exert 
is  decidedly  beneficial.  Their  pastor  the  Rev.  T.  C.  Jame- 
son, was  settled  in  1840,  and  resigned  his  office  on  the 
evening  of  the  3d  of  November,  having  performed  a  high- 
ly useful  ministry  of  thirteen  years  among  them. 

Between  Wickenden  street  and  the  First  Church 
there  is  a  position  which  ought  long  before  now  to  have 
been  occupied  by  our  denomination. 

Two  years  from  the  date  of  the  Third,  (i.  e.  1823)  the 
Fourth    Baptist   Church  was   constituted,  their  house 


89 

having  been  erected  in  1822,  It  is  built  on  Bacon 
street,  in  the  north  part  of  the  city,  and  measures  since 
its  enlargement  in  1850,  47  by  74  feet ;  it  is  valued  at 
;^8,500.  It  has  a  tower  and  bell,  orchestra  and  organ, 
chapel  and  vestries,  and  92  pews  on  the  floor.  It  seats 
600,  and  has  a  congregation  of  500  with  an  average  at- 
tendance of  300.  They  support  the  ministry  by  rents 
and  taxation  of  pews.  They  have  two  deacons,  Cyril 
Babcock  and  Luther  Salisbury. 

This  is  also  a  valuable  and  efficient  church.  Their 
pastor,  the  Rev.  Francis  Smith,  was  settled  in  1841,  and 
resigned  in  October  1853,  after  a  ministry  of  twelve 
years,  during  which  he  often  witnessed  tokens  for  good. 

Seventeen  years  after  the  date  of  the  Fourth  Church, 
(i.  e.  in  1840,)  the  Fifth  Baptist  was  formed.  Their 
house  now  located  on  Stewart  street,  in  the  south-west 
section  of  the  city,  was  built  in  1845  ;  it  measures  38  by 
60  feet,  has  80  pews,  and  seats  500 ;  it  has  a  congrega- 
tion of  300,  averaging  150,  and  is  valued  at  ^1,600. 
They  rent  their  pews.  The  deacons  are,  W.  H,  Hudson, 
G.  Burr,  B.  Orswell,  and  H.  C.  Starkweather. 

Rev.  B,  Miner,  pastor  of  the  South  church  has  preach- 
ed for  them  on  Sabbath  afternoons,  they  worshipping  in 
the  morning  with  his  people.  The  members  appear  dis- 
heartened, but  it  is  hoped  that  they  will  soon  unite  with 
the  South  church  in  the  erection  of  a  new  house.  Alrea- 
dy something  like  ^10,000  have  been  subscribed  for 
this  object.  It  is  believed,  that  these  two  churches  uni- 
ted in  one,  will  be  a  blessing  to  that  part  of  the  city, 
rapidly  increasing  as  it  is  in  population  and  influence. 

During  the  year  1840,  the  Meeting  street  church  was 
also  constituted,  they  occupying  a  house  built  in  1820  for 
the  benefit  of  the  colored  population.   It  is  40  by  50  feet, 

12 


90 

and  is  finished  with  orchestra,  52  pews,  and  vestry,  the 
whole  being  valued  at  ^§^5000.  It  will  accommodate  400  ; 
the  congregation  is  80,  averaging  60.  It  stands  on  Meet- 
ing street,  whence  the  church  derives  its  name.  The  dea- 
cons are  G.  C.  Willis,  Z.  Jones,  and  G.  Waterman.  The 
minister  is  sustained  by  subscription.  Having  no  pas- 
tor, their  pulpit  is  supplied  by  Bro.  J.  Amos.  It  is  de- 
sirable that  the  members  cultivate  a  deep  interest  in 
each  other,  and  as  they  have  no  debt,  there  is  no  reason, 
provided  they  obtain  a  pastor  and  continue  in  prayer, 
why  they  should  not  prosper.  The  colored  population 
is  very  large  in  the  city.  This  church  have  invited  Bro. 
C.  Leonard  to  become  their  pastor.  * 

Six  years  after  the  Fifth,  (i.  e.  in  1847)  the  South 
church  was  organized.  The  meeting-house  which  they 
occupy  is  the  private  property  of  Dea.  E.  S.  Barrows. 
It  is  situated  on  Point  street,  and  measures  33  by  70 
feet,  has  a  tower,  orchestra,  organ,  80  pews,  and  ves- 
tries, and  is  valued  at  ^^3,000.  It  will  seat  400,  has 
a  congregation  of  200,  with  an  average  of  125.  They 
bear  their  expenses  from  pew  rent  and  subscription. 
The  deacons  are  T.  Heynolds  and  E.  S.  Barrows.  They 
have  a  flourishing  Sabbath  school,  and  with  continued 
effort  it  is  confidently  believed  that  they  will  be  able,  in 
conjunction  with  the  Fifth  church,  to  erect  a  suitable 
edifice  upon  a  lot  already  purchased.  Such  a  house  will 
be  an  important  acquisition  to  the  people. 

The  year  following  1847  the  Eighth  church  was  es- 
tablished. They  meet  in  their  house,  situated  on  the 
corner  of  Davis  and  Common  streets;  it  was  built  in 
1846,  measures  35  by  50  feet,  has  56  pews,  and  will  seat 
300.     It  is   valued  at   ^1,600.     Their   congregation  is 

*  Rev.  Mr.  Leonard  was  ordained  as  their  pastor,  December  1853. 


91 

200,  with  an  average  of  150.  They  rent  their  pews. 
The  deacons  are  E.  Whipple  and  W.  G.  Noyes,  About 
180  families  live  in  their  vicinity,  and  their  church  and 
the  Catholic,  are  the  only  houses  for  religious  worship 
in  the  neighborhood.  The  interest  is  prosperous  and 
well  deserves  the  sympathies  of  the  Convention.  There 
is  a  prospect  of  great  good  from  this  station. 

Five  years  after  the  formation  of  the  Eighth,  the  Ninth, 
or  High-street  Baptist  church  was  constituted  ;  the  house 
is  on  Stewart  street,  corner  of  Pond,  and  measures  56  by 
91  feet.  It  was  dedicated  in  1852.  It  is  built  of  brick 
in  the  most  substantial  manner,  is  ornamented  with  two 
towers  of  the  same  materials,  contains  13-4  pews,  and  is 
furnished  with  bell,  orchestra  and  organ,  vestry,  study, 
and  library  rooms ;  it  is  finished  in  neat  yet  elegant  style, 
and  is  in  reality  a  great  addition  to  the  public  buildings 
of  the  city.  It  seats  800 ; — the  congregation  is  700, 
averaging  500.  The  cost  (^36,000)  has  been  met  by 
Perry  Davis,  a  recently  ordained  minister  in  the  church, 
who  I  am  informed,  has  said  that  the  church  shall  not 
fail  to  enjoy  it  as  their  permanent  place  of  public  wor- 
ship. The  deacons  are  P.  Davis,  J.  Davol,  B.  P.  W. 
Bennett,  and  D.  W.  Robinson.  This  church  united 
with  the  Providence  Baptist  Association  at  its  last  ses- 
sion. 

The  edifice  is  plain  and  yet  in  some  respects  quitp 
ornamental.  It  is  more  entirely  finished  than  any  church 
within  my  knowledge.  The  audience  room  is  very  in;- 
posing,  and  the  whole  structure  is  rarely  excelled  in 
simplicity,  conveniences,  and  durability.  May  a  kind 
providence  succeed  the  desires  of  the  generous  builder, 
and  accept  at  his  hands  this  monument  to  His  praise. 


92 

Estimates  of  the  Five  Counties,  1854. 
Counties.        Churches.     Church  Prop.        Seats.      Popuhxtion.       ValUcation. 

Newport, -44 $240,950 17,206 22,300.  . .  .$14,500,000 

"Washington, 47 105,500 14,305 17,600 6,822,000 

Bristol, 11 104,350 6.720 9,200 6,000,000 

Kent, 32 48,200 9,615 15,700 6,553,000 

134  $499,000        47,846         64,800         $38,875,000 

Providence  Co. 

Nine  towns, 58 $197,500 23,886 50,600 $20,000,000 

City, 48 829,700 32,400 50,000 37,500,000 

TotalinR.I,     240  $1,526,200      104,132       165,400         $91,375,000 

Some  of  these  estimates  may  be  low,  but  others  again 
are  full  high,  so  that  the  facts  I  think  will  compare 
with  the  various  computations.  Indeed  I  differ  very 
slightly  from  the  United  States  census  as  reported  in 
1850,  excepting  in  cases  where  I  know  changes  have 
taken  place.  By  that  census  the  population  returned 
from  the  State  of  Rhode-Island  was  147,545  ;  the  above 
estimate,  aside  from  Providence,  in  which  there  is  an  in- 
crease of  8,487,  increases  it  9,368,  making  at  the  com- 
mencement of  1854,  a  population  of  165,400,  with 
church  accommodations  for  104,132.  The  late  census 
makes  the  aggregate  of  property  ^80,508,794;  in  the  ta- 
ble above  it  is  augmented  ^10,855,206;  of  this  in- 
crease ^6,834,650  are  rated  in  the  tax  books  of  our 
cities,  Newport  and  Providence,  making,  with  an  addi- 
tional increase  of  ^4,031 ,556,  for  the  State  at  large,  the 
present  capital  of  the  State,  ^91,375,000.  The  property 
in  church  investment  as  rendered  in  the  census  of  1 850, 
was  ^1,252,900  ;  in  this  report,  in  consequence  of  addi- 
tions of  new  churches  and  enlargement  of  former  build- 
ings, it  is  increased  ;^273,300.  I  therefore  state  this  in- 
yestment  at  ^1,526,200. 


93 

It  will  appear  from  the  table  following,  that  fifty-one 
of  the  two  hundred  and  forty  churches  in  Rhode-Island, 
are  connected  with  the  Rhode-Island  Baptist  State  Con- 
vention. The  year  in  which  each  of  these  churches  was 
constituted,  so  far  as  has  been  ascertained,  is  given.  Also 
the  names  of  the  pastors  and  clerks ;  the  time  also  when 
the  pastor  was  settled,  and  the  compensation  which  he 
receives.  This  compensation  amounts  in  the  aggregate 
to  the  sum  of  ^21,94:2,  thus  averaging  in  the  forty-three 
salaries  received,  per  minister  ^^510 — hardly  a  common 
clerk's  wages. — The  whole  membership  of  the  churches 
as  stated  in  the  table  annexed  is  7124,  of  whom  2066 
are  males,  and  5058  are  females  ;  of  the  males  484  arc 
reported  as  living  in  other  places,  and  of  the  females 
983.  From  this  table  it  will  also  appear  that  in  addi- 
tion to  their  ordinary  expenses,  there  has  been  raised 
in  these  churches  during  the  current  year  for  benevo- 
lent purposes  the  sum  of  ,^1 3,460,45,  not  ^^2000  of 
which  has  been  expended  upon  Rhode-Island,  loudly 
as  our  interests  call  for  aid; — thus  more  than  ^11,000 
have  gone  abroad ;  also  that  there  are  numbered  in 
their  respective  congregations  of  worship  15,695  per- 
sons ;  and  that  the  average  attendance  on  the  Sabbath 
in  ordinary  iveather  is  9,685.  But  it  should  be  remem- 
bered that  every  church  has  members  of  other  church- 
es in  its  congregation,  hence  it  may  be  inferred,  that  the 
actual  church  mcmbersliip  in  each  congregation  is  about 
what  is  here  reported. 


94 


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96 

Of  fifty-one  churches  in  the  State,  from  each  of  whom 
you  have  now  heard,  about  one  half  have  received  pe- 
cuniary encouragement  from  this  Convention  ;  and  sev- 
eral of  them,  but  for  this  body,  would  never  have  been 
constituted.     And  we  need   no  better  channel  through 
which  to  eifect  even  the   largest  desires  of  our  hearts 
concerning  our  State.    As  you  have  seen,  there  are  nine 
towns  of  our  thirty-one,  in   which   we   have  no  church 
of  our  order,  and  nine  of  the  remaining  twenty-two,   in 
which  we  are  feebly  represented.     Our  entire  north- 
western section,  and  to  a  great  extent,  our  western  also, 
where  Baptist  sympathies  are  so   prevalent,    we  have 
never  cultivated.     There  are  thriving  villages  existing 
and  coming  into  existence  annually,  in  which   we   can 
and  ought  to  establish  churches.     There  are  six  places 
especially  in  which  we  must  operate  immediately,  or  our 
opportunity  will   cease.     There  are  also,  large  tracts  of 
agricultural  districts,  where  no  special  effort  is  being 
made  for  the  salvation  of  men.     There  is  little   appre- 
ciation of  the  Sabbath,  and  a  great  lack  of  responsibil- 
ity, among  even  some  of  the  members  of  our  churches. 
Indeed,  to  a  fearful  extent,  church  relationship  and  priv- 
ileges are  not  valued.     In  some  of  the  churches,  deeply 
rooted  prejudices  exist  against  any  improvement  in  effi- 
cient piety.     In  almost  all  of  them,  there  is  a  worldly 
spirit  prevailing  to  an  extent  truly  ominous  of  evil.     An 
increase  of  riches  is  the  concern  of  the  day,  so  that  the 
most  fine  gold  has  become  dim  indeed. 

The  following  schedule  shows  the  proportion  of  seats 
which  each  denomination  in  the  State  furnishes,with  their 
estimated  value.     It   must  be  remembered,  that   mostly 


97 


census  reports  are  given,  for  it  would  be  difficult  to  al- 
low for  rise  in  property  in  the  several  locations  since 
1850.  And  besides,  this  standard  is  equally  just  to 
each  of  these  bodies  : — 


DENOMINATIONS. 

Is 

CO 

a 
.2 
« 

3 
■ffl 
> 

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ay 

1  = 

u 
o 

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a 

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TO   S 

o  a> 
■■§  =3 

si 

Associated  Baptist, 

Ortliordox  Congrcgatn'l, 
Methodist  Episcopal,..  .  . 

24.880 

13.053 

9.920 

12.20G 

9.600 

6.370 

6.962 

5.805 

3.150 

3.050 

3.100 

1.950 

700 

670 

G50 

500 

325 

300 

$363,300 

241.550 

123.500 

252.500 

151.200 

56.900 

44.350 

23.450 

28.200 

127.000 

20.000 

61.200 

4.500 

'J.300 

150 

6.000 

4.400 

8.000 

5 
4 
3 
7 
2 
G 
5 

5 
1 
1 

14 
1 

5 

2 
2 
2 
2 
1 

1 

9 
2 
2 

1 

I 

8 

12 
6 
6 
6 
2 

5 

11 

6 

9 
7 
6 
4 
4 
1 
4 

2 
3 

51 
22 

22 
27 

Roman  Catholic, 

Society  of  Friends, 

Free  VVill  Baptist, 

Six  Principle  Baptist,  • .  . 

10 

4 
4 
5 

1 

18 

27 

19 

9 

Unitarian  Congrcfratn'l  . 
Seventh  Day  Baptists,.  . 

Universalist, 

Mariner's  Church, 

Coloi''d  Church,  reported 

Second  Adventists 

Wesleyan  Methodist,  .  . 

New  Jerusalem, 

Jews  Synagogue, 

Moravian  Church, 

Asso.  Scotch  Pres'terian, 

Indian  Church, 

Union  Houses, 

4 

7 

8 

1 

2 
1 

3 

1 

2 

2 

1 

5 

1 

1 

2 
1 
1 

4 

1 

1 
1 

1 

2 
1 

1 

300 
150 
491 

3.000 

200 

3.500 

1 

1 

1 

1 

2 

1 
3 

104.132  $1,526,200  44   47  11  32   58  48  240 


Having  examined  the  preceding  schedule,  I  doubt 
not  some  will  think  that,  if  there  be  in  the  State  104,- 
132  seats  for  a  population  of  165,400,  (making  all  re- 
quisite allowance  for  invalids  and  children,)  there  has 
been  an  equitable  provision  made  for  the  inhabitants. — 
But  it  ought  not  to  be  forgotten  that  many  of  these 
houses  are  so  situated,  as  to  be  of  little  advantage  to  the 

1.3 


98 

people,  they  not  having  been  used  for  years.  Besides, 
deducting  the  returns  from  the  two  cities,  amounting  to 
61,000,  there  will  remain  for  104,400  persons,  60,916 
seats.  But  there  are  neighborhoods,  as  you  have  seen 
that  need  immediate  attention.  I  do  not,  however, 
dwell  so  much  upon  additional  houses,  as  upon  the  ne- 
cessity of  improving  the  condition  of  our  population  and 
providing  means  for  the  education  of  the  generations 
growing  up  among  us.  In  respect  to  pew  or  seat  ac- 
commodations, Khode  Island  compares  very  favorably 
with  her  sister  States  in  New  England.  There  is  a  house 
for  about  every  six  hundred  and  ninety  inhabitants. 
The  difficulty  more  especially  is,  that  the  citizens  do  not 
attend  public  worship,  a  fault  not  peculiar  to  Rhode 
Island,  for  she  is  excelled  in  this  respect  by  few.  The 
average  attendance  of  the  people  at  large,  does  not  pro- 
bably exceed  one  in  five.  Rarely,  it  is  believed,  are  there 
found  on  any  ordinary  Sabbath  in  Rhode  Island,  one 
fifth  of  the  population  assembled  in  religious  bodies. — 
Such  a  number  •svould  fill  one-third  of  every  house,  used 
and  not  used  in  the  State ;  a  spectacle  that  has  never 
yet  been  witnessed. 

As  a  denomination,  we  have  failed  in  our  duty  in  not 
causing  the  gospel  to  be  preached  in  all  our  towns,  as 
was  required  by  the  very  Providence  that  made  this  a 
Baptist  State.  Nevertheless,  I  repeat,  I  rejoice,  and 
will  rejoice,  that  notwithstanding  our  inertness  as  a 
people,  Christians  of  other  denominations  have  come  up 
to  this  work.  But  this  does  not  release  us  from  our 
obligation.  Our  interests  that  wilt  in  the  sunshine,  need 
to  be  resuscitated,  and  new  standards  to  be  set  up.  We 
require  an  increase  of  an  able  and  judicious  ministry. — 
We  are  sufi'ering  through  lack  of  pastoral  labor.     Be- 


99 

sides,  we  have  virtually  fifteen  vacant  pastorships,  and 
fiv^e  more  Avill  occur  unless  the  churches  are  relieved  from 
their  pecuniary  embarrassments.  Some  of  these  embar- 
rassments are  not  only  exceedingly  oppressive,  but  there 
is  great  danger  that  after  the  pastors  have  resigned,  the 
meeting-houses  will  pass  into  the  hands  of  those  who  have 
no  sympathy  with  the  truth  as  we  receive  it.  Our  minis- 
try is  scantily  supported,  and  on  this  account  many  leave 
the  pastorship.  There  is  unquestionably  a  fault  in  this 
matter  in  the  ministry,  as  well  as  in  the  churches.  In 
some  sections,  the  people  have  been  educated  to  believe 
that  they  commit  a  moral  wrong  in  remunerating  any 
one  for  his  religious  services,  and  some  ministers  have 
come  to  see,  that  in  this  respect,  they  themselves  have 
greatly  erred.  It  is  time  that  we  cease  to  say  so  much 
concerning  a  hireling  ministry,  and  that  both  ministers 
and  people,  devote  their  means  and  energy  to  the  dis- 
semination of  the  truth.  And  if  we  desire  to  retain  our 
children  when  educated,  we  must  provide,  under  God, 
such  a  ministry  of  the  word  as  can  instruct  them  in  the 
truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus  ; — a  ministry  that  shall  be  edu- 
cated so  as  to  be  able  to  explain  our  doctrines  and  en- 
force obedience  to  the  glorious  gospel  of  the  blessed 
God.  Not  that  I  believe  that  every  minister  must  of 
necessity  receive  a  liberal  education,  desirable  as  this  is 
in  all  ordinary  circumstances.  I  would  advocate,  how- 
ever, a  ministry  filled  with  the  power  and  spirit  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  without  which,  every  degree  of  knowledge, 
useful  as  it  becomes  to  every  one  called  to  the  sacred  of- 
fice, profiteth  not. 

In  this  Colony,  in  1738,  there  were  less  than  20,000 
inhabitants,  and  thirty-three  places  of  public  worship, 
occupied  by  four  religious  denominations  only  ;  in  1853, 


100 

the  State  contained  185,400  inhabitants  and  two  hun- 
dred and  fifty  churches,  constituting  nearly  twenty  dif- 
ferent religious  orders  of  professing  Christians. 

I  have  prepared  a  table,  which  exhibits  with  a  good  deal 
of  accuracy,  the  actual  church  membership  at  the  present 
time  in  the  State.  And,  as  I  am  unable  to  complete  the 
plan  exhibited,  it  is  proper  that  I  should  here  state 
that,  in  relation  to  the  Society  of  Friends,  I  have  obtain- 
ed the  reports  of  their  Monthly  Meetings  instituted  in 
Rhode  Island,  and  quote  them  as  rendered  to  me,  viz  : — 

"  Rhode  Island  Monthly  Meeting,  170  ;  South  Kings- 
town, do.  68  ;  Greenwich,  do.  133  ;  Providence,  do. 
319  ;  Smithfield,  do.  233  ;  and  other  members,  27 — 
makinsr  a  total  of  950."  In  the  citv  of  Providence,  there 
is  a  Mariner  s  Church  of  50  members  ;  also,  a  Wesley- 
an  Methodist,  of  70  members  ;  a  Scotch  Presbyterian, 
of  143  members  ;  Colored  Churches,  as  reported,  of 
200  members  ;  and  of  Second  Adventists,  numbering 
200  communicants — in  all,  1,640  members. 

In  relation  to  Roman  Catholics,  there  are,  as  I  learn, 
no  communicants  except  such  as  go  to  the  "  Confession- 
al" and  receive  on  their  confession  and  the  promise  to 
conform  to  the  requisition  of  penance,  permission  from 
their  priests  "  to  communicate."  Nor  need  we  wonder 
how  this  can  be  performed,  when  it  is  known  how  many 
priests  there  are  in  Providence  and  other  places.  But 
the  confessional  ! — an  engine  truly  of  great  and  fearful 
power,  and  objectionable,  as  it  appears  to  me,  because 
subversive  alike  of  personal  accountability  and  personal 
freedom,  as  well  as  of  the  Rhode  Island  doctrine  of  soul 
liberty. 

And  it  is  due  to  the  principles  which  we  as  Baptists 
advocate,  that  I  should  here  remark,  that  against  the  Ro- 


101 

manists  as  a  sect  I  have  nothing  here  to  say.  Their  right  to 
believe  in  the  articles  of  their  church  I  do  not  question. 
They,  as  is  true  of  all  denominations,  to  their  own  Mas- 
ter must  stand  or  fall.  In  ateniifi/  both  inlest  and  people 
will  give  account  to  God  the  Judge  of  all.  But  although 
I  do  not  object  to  Romanists  as  a  mere  denomination,  I 
do  object  to  them  and  will  protest  against  any  man  or 
set  of  men  whether  in  the  church  or  state,  who  say  that 
there  is  no  sin  in  taking  a  false  oath  before  one  denomi- 
nated a  "  heretic,"  as  many  of  the  Romish  clergy  affirm, 
and  who  swear  to  support  the  constitution  of  the  United 
States,  when  at  the  same  time  they  are  solemnly  pledged 
to  the  dominion  of  the  Pope  at  Rome.  If  any  one  pre- 
fers the  Catholic  faith,  he  is  at  liberty  to  do  so,  and 
should  be  protected  in  his  right,  as  persons  of  other 
forms  of  worship  are  protected,  by  statute  law ;  but  no 
one  has  any  moral  right  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to 
the  government  of  this  country,  while  at  the  same  time 
he  is  sworn  to  a  church  in  a  foreign  land  which  is  ad- 
verse to  all  our  free  institutions,  not  even  cxce[)ting  our 
munificent  and  excellent  public  schools,  in  which  entire 
equality  in  every  respect  prevails.  Indeed  the  rights  of 
our  citizenship  should  not  be  conferred  upon  any  one 
who  is  not  perfectly  absolved  from  legal  obligation  to  eve- 
ry other  government ;  and  this  ought  to  be  inserted  in 
every  oath  administered  at  naturalization.  While  I  say 
this  in  good  faith,  I  would  that  it  may  ever  be  said  of 
every  American  citizen,  whenever  occasion  shall  require, 
as  was  said  of  Roger  "Williams,  that  "  he  ever  opposed, 
and  that  in  print  once  and  again,  what  he  called  the 
hloody  tenet.,  i.  e.  every  kind  and  degree  of  persecution 
for  conscience  sake.  For  cruel  and  impious  it  is  to 
punish  those  who  cannot  change  their  opinions  without 


102 

light  or  reason,  and  will  not  dissemble  against  all  rea- 
son and  conscience."  Give  us  Rhode-Island  doctrine, 
this  acorn  of  soil  if  it  be,  whose  tree  of  oak  will  shoot 
forth  branches  and  be  clothed  with  foliage,  spreading 
a  shade  that  will  yet  turn  the  melting,  burning  rays 
of  oppression  from  the  heads  of  men  who  are  born,  and 
who  ought  to  be,  and  who  are,  and  who  have  a  right  to 
be  free  and  independent,  and  who  should  be  responsible 
alone  for  their  religion  to  the  Lord  of  the  conscience. 


CHURCH  MEMBERSHIP  IN  RHODE-ISLAND,  1853. 

TOWNS. 

p. 
ce 
n 
'a 

.2 

o 

< 
1849 

p  .2 

c 

1 

^5    a  S 

&-S      53-3 
O  rf   '.  ^   ci 
^  M    .-  tc 

O  3) '  f^  to 
c  1      a 
o        o 

■3   D, 

o  p 

■3  m 

.a 

1 

& 

a 
.a 
a 
p- 
cn 

i 

B 

a 
& 

a 

•  a 
2  a 

■°  g 
a.o 

It 
3-9 
& 

a 

a 
1 

o 

M 

cd 

Providence, 

Portsmouth, 

738 
3'i 

1426 

365 

931   270 
50     55 

386'.... 

123 

25 

6113 
144 

1738 
862 
864 
379 
451 
28 
565 
652 
739 
159 
906 
1.36 
244 

1636 
1638 

Newport, 

Warwick, 

781 
1S:J 
328 
231 
200 

"67 

457 
30 

161 

150 
43 

40 

222'.... 
167 

eo!  28 

1639 

57 
148 

15 

1642 

Westerly, 

44 

90 

241 

1669 

New  Shoreham,. . 

1672 

East  Greenwich, . . 

15 

61 
14 
3'i 

175 

1677 

Jamestown, 

113 
190 

116 

377 

59 

59 

1678 

Nortli  Kingston,.. 

442 

420 
17y 

46 

1722 

South  Kingston, . . 

58 

101 

25 

41 

239 

18 

57 

20 

1722 

Smithfield, 

30 

1730 

Glocester, 

1730 

Scituate, 

CO 
77 
129 
106 
190 

412 

1730 

Charlestown, 

1738 

West  Greenwich,.. 

56 

619 

44 

1741 

Coventry, 

20 

745  i 1741 

Exeter, 

234  i 1742 

Middletowu, 

8 

80 

88    1743 

Little  Compton,.. . 

197 

89 

248 

88 

285    1746 

Tiverton, 

35 
117 
2'iS 
29.5 
80 
67 
.324 

.... 

'460 

47 

'285 

125 

249   1 1746 

Bristol, 

292 
264 
253 

125 

1067 
647 
794 
540 
167 

1112 
379 

1044 
107 
296 
301 

1746 

Warren, 

1746 

Cumberland, 

113 

43 

90 

1746 

Richmond, 

1747 

Cranston, 

23 

30 

17.54 

Hopkinton, 

Johnston, 

22 

766 

17-57 

22 
200 

357 
40 

1759 

North  Providence, 
Barring'ton, 

495 

119 
107 

160 

30 

1765 
1770 

Foster, 

296 
175 

1781 

Bunillville, 

126 

1806 

31  Towns.    7146  1766  2472  2820  305  2824  620  26441055  243  40  22035 


103 

There  are  connected  with  the  several  denominational 
churches,  'besides  the  Romanists,  23,650  members,  of 
which  number  the  Associated  Baptists  have  7146  ;  and 
the  whole  number  of  communicants  who  practise  the 
New  Testament  baptism  is  13,231.  There  are  therefore 
9469  Pedobaptists,l  3,231  Baptists,and  1640  Friends  and 
others,  (see  page  100)  making  the  aggregate  of  23,650 
members.  There  may  be  24,000  in  the  State  who  are 
professors  of  religion.  Immersion  is  frequently  perform- 
ed by  other  denominations  besides  the  Baptists. 

I  have  endeavored  to  be  accurate  as  possible  in  the 
number  of  churches,  but  in  a  few  instances,  by  taking 
in  the  meeting-houses,  I  find  I  have  exceeded  their  sev- 
eral reports,  but  this  will  not  vary  the  denominational 
interests  but  little  if  any ;  for  in  some  instances  there 
are  houses  of  worship  in  towns  adjacent  to  those  towns 
in  which  the  churches  are  located,  so  that  the  denom- 
inational representations  remain  unchanged.  But  if 
there  be  any  errors,  the  fault  is  in  the  returns  of  the 
census.  There  were  in  June  1850,  221  independent 
churches  returned.  In  the  various  orders  there  have 
been  since  that  time  several  new  churches  formed, 
which  are  included  in  this  report. 

The  Associated  Baptists  have  two  Associations.  The 
first  is  called,  "  The  Warren  Association,"  which  was 
formed  in  Warren,  September  1767.  Its  Eighty-sixth 
anniversary  was  held  in  the  Third  Baptist  Meeting-house 
in  Providence  August  31,  1853.  The  second  is  known 
by  the  name  of"  The  Providence  Baptist  Association  ;" 
it  was  established  at  a  meeting  of  delegates  from  sev- 
eral churches  held  in  the  Cumberland  Hill  Baptist 
Meeting-house,  October  9th,  1843.  The*  Tenth  anni- 
versary was   observed  in  the   Fourth   Baptist   Meeting- 


104 

house  in  Providence,  September  21st,  1853.  These  two 
associations  also  meet  annually  on  the  last  Tuesday  of 
April,  as  "  The  E-hode-Island  Baptist  State  Conven- 
tion.'' This  Convention  was  constituted  in  Providence, 
August  4th,  1825.  Its  twenty-eighth  anniversary  was 
celebrated  in  the  First  Baptist  Meeting-house  in  Provi- 
dence, June  22d,  1853.  Its  Board  of  Managers  meet 
quarterly  on  the  last  Tuesday  in  July,  October,  January 
and  April. 

"  The  Old  Six  Principle,  or  General  Baptist  Con- 
ference," met  and  celebrated  its  one  hundred  and 
eighty-third  anniversary  in  the  Knightville  Meeting- 
house, Cranston,  September  9th,  10th,  11th,  1853, 
having  been  formed  in  1670.  Its  quarterly  meetings 
are  held  on  Saturday,  before  the  first  Sunday  in  Novem- 
ber, and  Saturday,  before  the  second  Sunday  in  April, 
and  Saturday,  before  the  third  Sunday  in  July,  and  on 
Friday,  before  the  second  Sunday  in  September. 

"  The  Free  Will  Baptist  Connexion"  hold  their 
quarterly  meetings  on  Wednesday,  before  the  fourth 
Sabbath  in  January,  May,  August  and  October. 

The  Christian  Denomination,  have  their  regular 
meetings,  but  I  have  been  unable  to  learn  their  arrange- 
ments. 

"  The  Seventh-Day  Baptist  Eastern  Association," 
meets  annually  in  May.  Its  seventeenth  anniversary 
was  held  in  Piscataway,  New  Jersey,  Thursday,  May 
26th,  1853.  The  Executive  Committee  meet  on  Wed 
nesday,  before  the  third  Sabbath  or  Saturday  in  Novem- 
ber, and  on  Thursday,  before  the  fourth  Sabbath  or  Sat- 
urday in  May. 

"  The  Sixi'y-Third  Annual  Convention  of  the  Pro- 
testant Episcopal  Church,"  was  held  in  Grace  Church, 
Providence,  June  14thj  1853, 


105 

"  The  Fiftieth  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Evangeli- 
CAL  Consociation,"  was  held  in  the  Congregational  Meet- 
ing house,  in  Barrington,  June  14th,  1853 — Its  Jubilee 
Anniversary. 

"  The  Providence  Annual  Conference  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church,"  was  held  in  the  Fourth  Street 
Church,  in  New  Bedford,  (Mass.)  April  13th,  1853  ;  its 
thirteenth  session. 

"  The  Unitarian  Autumnal  Convention,"  was  held 
in  Worcester,  October  18th,  1853. 

"  The  New  England  Yearly  Meeting  of  the  So- 
ciety OF  Friends,"  meets  in  Newport,  on  the  first  seventh, 
after  the  second  sixth  day  in  the  sixth  month,  or  on  Sat- 
urday after  the  second  Friday  in  June.  Meetings  for  wor- 
ship, are  held  the  next  day.  This  meeting  was  established 
earlier  than  in  1671,  but  how  much  before  that  year  it 
is  not  known,  as  the  records  were  consumed  with  a  dwell- 
ing-house, in  which  they  were  kept.  It  is  safe  to  record 
that  its  one  hundred  and  eighty-third  anniversary  was 
held  in  Newport,  June  11th,  1853.  The  Rhode  Island 
Quarterly  Meeting  was  established  in  1699.  This  meet- 
ing embraces  the  five  Monthly  Meetings  that  exist  in 
the  State. 

"  The  Universalist  Convention,"  meets  on  the  third 
Wednesday  in  May. 

The  New  Jerusalem  Church  in  Rhode-Island  have 
no  united  Covocation,  nor  any  general  meetings,  so  far 
as  I  can  ascertain. 

14 


106 


POPULATION  AND  VALUATION  OF  RHODE  ISLAND,  1730-1854. 


TOWNS. 


.2g 


l^ 


NEWPORT    CO. 

Newport, 

Portsmouth, 

Jamestown, 

Middletown, 

Tiverton, 

Little  Compton,.. . 
New  Shoreham,  . . 

PROVIDENCE    CO. 

Providence, 

Smithfield, 

Scituate, 

Glocester, 

Cumberland, , 

Cranston, 

Johnston, 

North  Providence 

Foster, 

Burrillville, 


4.640 
813 
321 


290 


3.916 


WASHINGTON    CO 

Westerly, 

North  Kingston, . . 
South  Kingston, . . 
Charlestown,  . . 
Richmond,  .... 

Hopkinton, 

Exeter, 


1.926 
2.105 
1.523 


BRISTOL   CO. 

Bristol, 

Warren, 

Barrington, 


KENT    CO. 

East  Greenwich, . 
West  Greenwich,. 

Warwick, 

Coventrj', 


1.223 
Li78 


9.209 

1.512 

563 

881 

1.957 

1.232 

575 


4.321 
2.888 
3.601 
2.945 
1.756 
1.834 
1.031 
830 


1.812 
*  2.472 
2.835 
1.8-21 
1.257 
1.805 
1.864 


1.209 
979 
601 


1.663 
1.764 
2.438 
2.023 


9.563 
1.833 
358 
832 
4.699 
1.462 
1.262 


41.513 
11. .500 
4.-582 
2.872 
6.662 
4.312 
2.937 
7.680 
1.932 
3.538 


2.7G6 
2.971 
3.i 

994 
1.784 
2.478 
1.635 


4.616 
3.103 

795 


2.3.58 
1.3.50 
7.740 
3.620i 


11.000 
2.000 
400 
1.000 
5.000 
1.600 
1.300 


50.000 
12.000 
5.000 
3.000 
7.000 
7.000 
3.000 
8.000 
2.000 
3.600 


3.500 
3.100 
4.000 
1.000 
1.800 
2..500 
1.700 


5.000 

3.300 

900 


2.500 
1.400 
8.000 

3.! 


$510,000 
183.333 
66.666 
113.333 
368.333 
297.666 


723.333 
666.666 
356.666 
.526.666 
302.773 
411.133 
214.000 
1.52.913 
253.333 


323.3.33 
495.500 
974.3.33 
274.000 
234.-533 
303.333 
342.900 


217.466 
130.000 
102.400 


265.333 
244.333 
583.666 
333.3.33 


$4,880,450 
1.114.950 
282.100 
825.-500 
1.926.140 
985.605 
414.550 


33..511.000 
5.040.2-50 
1.811.1-50 
1.014.000 
3.224.2-50 
2.176.100 
1.126.200 
3.-5-57.800 
576.340 
948.730 


1.2-50.000 

1.380.-590 

1.502..5-50 

322.312 

-5(39.096 
085.700 
584.940 


2.954.300 

1.639.300 

513.954 


763.995 

4-52.958 

3.0.32.154 

1.753.1-50 


$8,000,000 
1.500.000 
300.000 
1.200.000 
2.000.000 
1.000.000 
,500.000 


37..500.000 
5.100.000 
1.900.000 
1.100.000 
3.300.00O 
2.223.000 
1.200.000 
3.600.000 
-577.000 
1.000.000 


1.500.000 
1.500.000 
1.600.000 
322.000 
600.000 
700.000 
600.000 


3.400.000 

2.000.000 

600.000 


800.000 

4-53.000 

3.-500.000 

1.800.000 


17.935  59.678  147.549  165.400  $9,968,277  $80,820,114  $91,375,000 


RECAPITULATION. 


Newport  County,  . 

6.064 

15.929 

20.009 

22.300:  $1.539..331 

$10,429,295 

$14.-500.000 

Providence. ." 

3.916 

19.206 

87.-528 

100.600    3.607.483 

52.985.820 

57.-500.000 

Washington." 

5.554 

13.866 

16.430 

17.600    2.944.932 

6.295.188 

6.822.000 

Bristol ".... 

2.789 

8.-514 

9.200'       449.866 

5.107.554 

6.000.000 

Kent " 

2.401 

7.888 

15.068 

15.700!    1.426.665 

6.002.2-57 

6.553.000 

Total  Aggregate,  17.935  59.678  147.549  165.400  $9,968,277  $80,820,114    $91,375,000 


lOT 


SABBATH    SCHOOLS. 


The  Sabbath  School  Department  of  our  Churches 
meets  annually  in  connection  with  the  Rhode  Island 
Baptist  State  Convention,  on  the  Wednesday  succeeding 
the  fourth  Tuesday  in  April,  at  10  o'clock,  A.  M.,  and 
is  known  by  the  name  of  the  Sabbath  School  Associa- 
tion. It  consists  of  delegates  appointed  by  the  several 
schools  connected  with  the  Convention.  It  elects  its 
own  officers,  as  specified  in  the  seventh  article  of  the 
constitution  of  the  Convention,  and  occupies  as  much 
of  the  day  as  may  seem  from  time  to  time  necessary  and 
desirable  for  the  transaction  of  business  ^pertaining ;  to 
the  Association.  The  next  meeting  will  .be  opened  by 
Asa  Messer  Gammell,  the  Chairman  of  a  Committee  of 
ten  to  whom  the  management  of  the  Association  is  in- 
trusted for  the  current  year. 

Of  this  department  I  shall  at  this  time  say  but  a  word. 
In  some  of  the  churches  there  is  manifestly  great  inef- 
ficiency ;  not  even  the  children  or  the  adults  are  gather- 
ed into  the  Sabbath  School,  and  yet  in  the  combinations 
of  this  world  they  enter  or  take  an  interest.  But  in 
most  of  our  churches  there  are  found  collected  groups 
of  the  old,  the  middle  aged,  and  the  young,  who  thus 
meet  weekly  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  and  imparting 
religious  instruction. 

I  annex  a  Table  which  shows  the  condition  of  this 
field  of  our  spiritual  joys  and  hindrances. 


108 


i 
0 

■g 

•  Is 

1  'h 

0      go 

•g    f-9 

£ 

1 

.g 

■5 

£ 

a 
"S 

a 
2 

bo 
to 

H 

m 

i  ^  c 

0        g 

n 

1 

s 

< 

SUPERINTEN- 

© 

"3 

0 

•3 

1    1  = 

g^ 

i 

3> 

0} 

1 

1 

SCHOOLS. 

DENTS. 

S 

^ 

S 

£    ^ 

1 

"3 

bo 

< 

< 

H 

Prov.  1st,  Church 

R.  A.  Guild, .... 

14 

24 

109 

145   34!  182 

400'  38 

254:  292 

"     2cl,...." 

J.  Boyce, 

7 

8 

97 

103,  12!  133 

320    15   200:  215 

"     3d,...." 

A.  W.  Godding,. 

12 

18 

128 

147    25:  205 

700    30   275;  305 

"     4th,..." 

S.  R.  Weeden,  . . 

12 

20 

107 

I45I  29 1  185 

700:  32 

252    284 

"     5th,..." 

J.  S.Sibley, 

3 

7 

25 

30 

8 

40 

150,  10 

55     65 

"  Meeting  Street, . . . 

G.  C.  Willis,.... 

4 

6 

20 

25 

9 

33 

300'|  10 

45     55 

"  South, 

J.  C.  Wightman, 

5 

9 

65 

75 

11 

130 

450;  14 

140    154 

"  Eighth, 

J.  F.  Jolls, 

6 

6 

40 

70    12'    90 

450    12 

110    122 

"  High  Street, 

H.  C.  Marchant, 

18 

20 

122 

153   36'  261 

500   38   275;  313 

N.  Prov.  Allendale,.... 

S.  Belden, 

7 

10 

75 

100    14;  140 

4821  17 

175 

192 

"     Fruit  Hill, 

B.  A.  Whipple,  . 

2 

4 

18 

32 

5|    30 

500;     6 

50 

56 

"    1st,  Pawtucket. . . 

S.  G.  Benedict,.. 

12 

13 

100 

132 

201  175 

700,  25 

282 

257 

"    High  St.  Pawt'ket 

0.  Keach, 

6 

9 

•50 

59 

10     75 

250!  15 

109 

124 

Smithfield,  Cent.  Falls, 

S.  S.  Mallery,... 

10 

10 

85 

115 

18'  150 

500'  20 

200 

220 

"    Lonsdale, 

M.  Aldrich, 

5 

7 

25 

50 

8     50 

300    12 

75i     87 

"    L.  R.  &  Albion,.. 

T.  Mann, 

1 

4 

15 

20 

5i    30 

359!    5 

35 

40 

Cnmberland,  Val.  Falls 

L.  Flagg, 

4 

6 

45 

55 

8     75 

400;    10 

100 

110 

Cumberland  Hill, 

H.  Sweet, 

1 

7 

15 

25 

61    30 

235!     8 

40 

48 

"     Woonsocket, 

A.  Ballou  Jr.  . . . 

6 

9 

71 

81 

8   100 

300 1  15 

152 

167 

Cranston,  Pawtuxet . . . 

N.  Lee, 

3 

15 

40 

53 

14     70 

300 

18 

93 

111 

Scituate,  Fiskville 

Warwick,  Shawomet,.. 

G.A.'wiilard,".". 

"s 

"26 

"'36 

""6!"33 

"266 

"s 

■'.50 

"".58 

"    Natic, 

S.  R.Hopkins,.. 

"9 

12 

50 

8OI  18   130 

500    21 

130i  151 

"    Phoenix, 

J.  A.  Taylor,  . . . 

8 

8 

50 

50 

16,  100 

6001  16 

100;   116 

"    First, 

P.  Spencer, 

H.  Innian, 

3 
5 

4 

7 

25 
40 

40 
60 

7     50 
11     65 

200!     7 
405;  12 

65i     72 

Coventrj',  Quidnic,. . . . 

100 

112 

''    Central, 

B.  V.  Gallup,... 

10 

10 

75 

75 

18     80 

600;  20 

150 

170 

East  Greenwich, 

A.  Wall, 

5 

8 

30 

60 

10     75 

200 

13 

90 

103 

West  Greenwich, 

C.  S.  Hazard, 

3 

1 

15 

15 

4!    30 

150 

4 

30 

34 

N.  Kingst.  Quoitnesset, 

J.  L.  Congdon,.. 

4 

6 

26 

38 

8     50 

200 

10 

64 

74 

"    First,  Wickford,.. 

S.  D.  Reynolds,. 

7 

11 

71 

64 

15     86 

500    18 

135 

153 

"    First,  N.  K 

J.  Eldred, 

5 

4 

34 

16 

8     36 

450     9 

50 

59 

Exeter  Baptist  Church, 

G.  Tillinahast,.. 

r> 

4 

37 

30 

9;     50 

350      9 

67 

76 

S.  Kingston,  First, 

J.  P.  Rodman,  . . 

5 

7 

40 

40 

12     80 

140    12 

80 

92 

"    Second, 

E.  H.  Peckham,. 

5 

3 

22 

12 

7     32 

300,     8 

34 

42 

"    Queen's  River, . . . 

J.  W.  Briggs,... 

4 

4 

15 

15 

8     30 

175     8 

30 

38 

Richmond,  '2d  Church, 

G.  K.  Clark,.... 

3 

3 

10 

20 

5 

20 

500     6 

30 

36 

Hopkinton,  Second,. . . 
"     First, 

H.H.  Richmond, 

15 

17 

62 

88 

25 

100 

200 

32 

150 

182 

Westerly,  Niantic, 

G.  W.Champlain 

9 

"3 

""io 

"io 

'4 

"is 

"i75 

"12 

"26 

"'32 

"    First, 

T.  R.  Hyde, 

9 

10 

42 

85 

12 

90 

600 

19 

127 

146 

"    Lottery  Village,.. 
"    Charlestown  First 

L.  Hall 

100 

J.  P.  Burbank,.. 

"i 

"2 

"25 

"36 

"2 

"'4.5 

50 

"3 

"55 

■"58 

New  Shoreham, 

A.  C.  Rose, 

8 

5 

36 

54 

7 

60 

200 

13 

90 

103 

Newport,  First, 

S.  Albro, 

6 

16 

70 

80 

141    75 

400 

22 

1.50 

172 

"    Second, 

B.  H.  Rhoades,  . 

7 

11 

50 

70 

16;    90 

350;  18 

120 

138 

"    Central, 

W.  C.  Langley,. 

13 

31 

125 

160 

36 

200 

838    44 

28.5 

329 

Tiverton,  Central, 

A.  Gray, 

3 

5 

31 

46 

8 

55 

200     8 

77 

85 

Bristol,  First, 

X.  B.  Cook, 

5 

7 

50 

40 

10 

70 

375    12 

90 

102 

Warren,  First, 

A.  M.  Gammell,. 

10 

2(i 

100 

160   28'  200 

600    3(' 

26(' 

296 

305  445  2413  3083  616  4131  17854  750  5496  6246 


109 

From  these  statistics  as  now  presented,  it  will  be  seen 
that  we  have  forty-seven  Sabbath  Schools  in  this  State, 
in  which  there  are  750  teachers  and  5496  scholars ;  of 
the  teachers  305  are  males,  and  445  females ;  of  the 
scholars  2413  are  males,  and  3083  females  ;  the  average 
attendance  of  teachers  is  616,  and  of  scholars  4131. 
Almost  every  church  has  a  Library  for  its  Sabbath 
School,  whether  at  present  closed  or  open,  the  whole 
number  of  volumes  amounting,  as  nearly  as  I  can  ascer- 
tain, to  17,854.  The  whole  number  of  scholars  connect- 
ed with  the  schools  is  6,246. 

Sabbath  Schools  likewise  engage  the  sympathies  and 
hearty  cooperation  of  other  denominations  besides  our 
own.  The  Congregationalists  report  295  teachers  and 
2831  scholars;  the  Episcopalians  276  teachers  and 
2188  scholars;  the  Methodists  about  300  teachers  and 
3000  scholars  ;  besides  schools  of  other  denominations 
not  here  mentioned.  The  whole  must  amount  to  not 
less  than  17,000  scholars,  and  2,000  teachers.  I  have 
not  seen  any  returns  from  other  schools  in  the  State,  but 
make  the  above  computations  from  facts  that  have  been 
presented.  It  is  greatly  to  be  desired  that  this  institu- 
tion should  receive  the  hearty  cooperation  and  support 
of  all  our  churches. 

Admonished  by  the  great  remissness  of  our  Denomi- 
nation in  our  religious  interests  in  the  State,  and  en- 
couraged by  the  mercy  of  Him  who  has  neither  aban- 
doned us,  nor  as  yet  removed  our  candlesticks,  but  has 
granted  us  many  tokens  of  promise,  we  should  inquire, 
what  He  will  have  us  do  I  And  aware  of  what  we  ca7i 
do,  let  us  strengthen  the  things  that  languish  and  are 
ready  to   die.      And  what   shall  we  do   to    meet  our 


no 

high  responsibilities  in  a  land  where  Baptist  sentiments 
have  always  been  so  prevalent  1 

The  fault  is  not  to  be  ascribed,  as  some  have  claimed, 
to  the  laxity  of  our  denominational  tenets,  nor  to  the 
weakness  of  the  voluntary  principle  in  our  civil  gov- 
ernment. For  our  churches  and  our  ministry  can  live 
without  civil  taxation,  or  government  patronage.  And 
this  is  apparent  not  in  our  own  churches  only,  but  in 
those  of  other  sects ;  also  by  the  conviction  silently  and 
constantly  obtaining  on  this  subject  that  no  one  in 
christian  matters  ought  to  be  interrupted,  or  compelled ; 
and  that  to  the  people  in  their  voluntary  associations 
should  be  committed  the  sustaining  of  their  religious 
interests,  as  they  in  their  wisdom  and  freedom,  deem 
proper  to  provide.  Our  comparative  weakness  and  inef- 
ficiency is  not  therefore  to  be  traced  to  our  political 
condition,  but  to  our  moral  inertness. 

And  shall  this  inactivity  and  feebleness  in  our  reli- 
gious affairs  continue  ?  Shall  this  benumbing  influence 
continue  to  blight  our  vines,  and  shall  our  fruit  continue 
to  blast,  wither,  and  perish  !  In  1738  there  were  in  the 
then  nine  towns  on  the  main  land  eight  Baptist  churches, 
one  in  each  town,  save  Greenwich.  In  this  town,  how- 
ever, there  was  a  Baptist  meeting-house  sometime  pre- 
vious to  1738,  but  this  house,  together  with  nearly  all 
the  meeting-houses  of  that  time,  are  either  removed  or 
greatly  dilapidated.  And  not  only  have  the  houses  de- 
cayed, but  the  churches  have  waned,  so  that,  aside  from 
the  first  church  in  Providence,  and  some  three  others, 
there  is  now  but  a  feeble  trace  of  the  existence  of  these 
early  churches.  When  another  century  shall  close, 
God  forbid  such  a  record  of  the  churches  now  repre- 
sented in  this  Convention. 


Ill 

On  account  of  the  fluctuating  character  of  the  factory 
population  and  of  the  introduction  of  foreign  help, 
churches  in  one  year  represented  as  thriving,  frequently 
in  the  lapse  of  a  few  years,  become  most  essentially 
weakened  by  the  loss  of  their  members.  And  it  is  on 
this  account  that  the  Board  of  Managers  have  been  una- 
ble to  establish  a  standard  for  determining  the  amount 
of  appropriations  ;  my  own  judgment  is  in  favor  of  some 
uniform  decreasing  ratio,  departures  from  which  to  be 
justified  by  the  circumstances  of  the  churches  at  the  time 
of  their  application.  And  our  true  policy  is  to  promote 
the  liberal  support  of  our  pastors  by  every  means  within 
our  power.  Let  us  not  muzzle  the  mouth  that  treadeth 
out  the  corn — surely  not  the  mouth  of  them  who  bring  us 
the  word  of  the  Lord. 

From  the  returns  now  submitted  to  me  in  your  name, 
and  presented  to  you  in  this  report,  I  regret  to  find  that 
so  little  attention  is  given  in  the  churches  to  benevolent 
contributions,  prayer  meetings  for  missions,  Sabbath 
schools,  to  the  seamen's  cause,  and  to  revivals ;  and  I 
regret  also  to  find,  that  there  exists  so  small  a  number 
of  maternal  meetings,  and  female  prayer  meetings — yet, 
it  is  interesting  to  observe,  that  religion  is,  by  universal 
consent,  the  one  thing,  and  the  only  thing  that  can  really 
make  a  people  happy.  Would  that  such  a  vital  interest 
might  be  felt  in  our  Zion,  by  all  our  members,  as  would 
draw  forth  from  every  one  of  them  the  declaration  of  a 
deeply  settled  purpose,  "  B(!cause  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord  our  God,  I  will  seek  thy  good." 

As  the  Associated  Baptists  of  Rhode  Island,  we  have 
met  in  this  Convention  to  consider  by  what  means  we 
may  sow  to  better  advantage  the  good  seed  of  the  word  of 
God  in  the  soil  of  our  fathers,  and  bring  to  greater  ma- 


112 

turity  that  which  was  sown  by  them.  And  it  is  our 
privilege,  and  equally  our  obligation,  to  do  what  our 
hands  find  to  do. 

There  are  two  kinds  of  work  necessary  to  be  done. 
The  first  relates  to  churches  in  a  state  of  debility  and  in 
perplexing  circumstances,  into  which  they  are  not  un- 
frequently  cast.     The  second  embraces  the  establishment 
of  new  interests,  or  the  cultivation  of  the  fields  already 
opened  and  constantly  being  opened,  inviting  our  toils, 
our  prayers,  and  our  sympathies.     We  have  much  to  do, 
if  we  would  improve  the  soil,  or  even  prevent  tares  from 
being  sown  by  the  enemy,  or  check  their  growth  when  they 
have  sprung  up.    Worse  evils  exist  in  our  midst  than  ex- 
isted thirty  years  ago,  when  generations  died  ignorant  or 
but  partially  enlightened.     Our  towns  are  filling  up  with 
foreigners  who  know  no   religion   but  that  which  sub- 
verts  the  freedom   secured   to   us  by  ^the   Charter   of 
Charles  II,  and  provided  for  in  our  constitution.     And 
not  unfrequently  our  own   citizens  are  found  to  sympa- 
thize with  these  foreigners.     Efforts  to  subvert  our  free- 
dom, bold  and  daring,  are  talked  of  openly.    And  unless 
we  make  strenuous  eff'orts  to  secure  a  general  moral 
culture  and  the  preservation  of  our  rights,  we  shall  ar- 
rive at  a  condition  in  which  there  is  no  remedy  without 
acting  again  the  scenes  of  our  ancestral  reformers.    Even 
in  my  day  I  have  listened  to  expressions  like  these  with 
slisfht  emotion.     1  well  remember  when  the  lamented 
Going:  returned  from  his  first  western  tour,  and  subse- 
quently  in  his  annual  visits  to  New  England,  how  earn- 
estly he  expressed  his  feelings,  and  with  what  pathos 
he  dwelt  on  themes  like  these.     But  we  heard  him  as  a 
professional  secretary.     I  have  beheld  fulfilled  many  of 


113 

his  sayings.  And  even  in  Rhode  Island  where  were 
embodied' first  the  conceptions  of  a  charter  of  distinct 
civil  and  religious  rights,  I  have  seen  the  evidences  of 
real  danger.  And  with  me  you  also  perceive  that 
but  one  step  remains  to  be  taken,  in  order  that  our 
very  constitution  become  the  vehicle  to  bring  upon 
us  all  the  evils  which  our  forefathers  dreaded,  and  from 
which  they  fled  to  this  soil,  as  an  asylum  and  a  home. 
And  I  confess  that  to  me  it  seems  less  strange  than  ever 
before,  that  as  this  State  was  the  first  public  field  of  en- 
tire but  separate  civil  and  religious  freedom,  so  it  may 
be  that  the  first  altar  upon  which  its  adherents  may  be 
immolated  to  oppression  in  our  day,  shall  here  be  erected. 

The  plan  upon  which  I  propose  we  should  operate  is, 
either,  first,  through  some  individual,  duly  appointed  by 
you,  whose  duty  it  shall  be,  with  the  advice  and  under 
the  direction  of  the  Board,  to  nurse  our  feeble  churches, 
and  to  preach  as  opportunities  are  presented  the  gospel  in 
the  State,  seeking  new  situations  and  rearing  new  interests 
in  our  various  counties ;  or,  second,  to  divide  the  State  into 
several  districts,  and  after  the  plan  of  the  INIethodists  in 
Wales,  to  appoint  some  minister,  living  in  the  district 
to  which  he  may  be  designated,  as  the  chairman  of  a 
committee,  selected  also  from  the  same  district,  to  whom 
the  division  shall  be  entrusted,  with  instructions  to  hold 
religious  meetings  in  neighborhoods  not  fully  occupied, 
and  to  visit  the  churches  within  their  boundaries,  and 
report  to  the  Board,  and  through  the  Boai-d  to  the  Con- 
vention, at  its  annual  sessions. 

My  own  judgment  favors  the  first  arrangement;  for, 
as  every  pastor  has,  or  ought  to  liavc,  all  ho  can  do  in 
his  own  immediate  neighborhood,  I  fear   that  there  will 

15 


114 

be  little  efficiency,  if  we  commit  this  work  to  separate 
committees.  And  so  shall  we  all  think,  in  my  opinion, 
if  there  exist  in  the  denomination  the  spirit  of  confi- 
dence and  good  feeling,  so  that  they  can  intrust  this  high 
duty  to  a  single  person,  whose  mind  shall  be  given 
wholly  to  the  moral  culture  of  the  people ; — who  shall 
pursue  no  other  than  a  christian  and  dignified  service  ; — 
a  service  not  of  dollars  mainly,  but  a  pastoral,  advisory, 
and  ministerial  service  ;  a  service  involving  whatsoever 
is  true,  honest,  just,  pure,  lovely,  and  of  good  report ; — 
whatsoever  is  praiseworthy  in  itself,  or  due  to  the  min- 
istry of  Christ,  performed  by  any  ways  or  means  which 
the  great  Head  of  the  church  shall  indicate  and  approve 
as  effectual  in  disseminating  the  principles  of  the  new- 
testament,  such  as  we  believe  all  true  Baptists  profess, 
good,  sound,  and  just  principles  ;  in  a  word,  one  who 
shall  preach  the  word,  hold  religious  meetings  as  he 
may  be  able ;  gather  the  Sabbath  Schools  together  at 
different  times  in  the  year,  embracing  sections  contigu- 
ous, and  devote  his  entire  energy  to  the  cause  of  Christ 
in  connection  with  our  churches,  not  as  a  secular,  but 
as  a  truly  religious  man ;  this  I  think  will  be  doing  the 
work  with  effective  power,  and  filling  a  station,  than 
which,  none  can  be  more  honorable  or  more  useful ; — 
nor  can  there  be  any  one  human  agency  from  which  we 
can  hope  to  reap  so  much  advantage,  if  the  Spirit  at- 
tend the  work,  as  He  did  in  the  times  of  the  primative 
preachers,  and  as  it  is  promised  that  He  will  accompany 
the  faithful  ministrations  of  the  gospel. 

In  my  late  visits  to  our  churches  I  have  not  gone  as 
an  agent,  but  as  a  minister  of  Christ.  My  business 
was  not  to  obtain  their  pecuniary  means,  but  to  preach 


115 

the  gospel,  to  tender  to  them  your  christian  salutation, 
endeavoring  to  stir  up  their  minds  to  their  obligations 
to  Jesus  Christ  I  doubt  not,  however,  should  your 
suffrages  be  given,  that  he  who  accepts  them,  will  put 
the  people  in  a  remembrance  of  their  obligation,  and  at 
times  even  make  direct  application  for  funds  to  sustain 
the  objects  approved  by  you.  But  my  impression  is  that 
Khode  Island  needs,  and  imperiously  demands,  an  in- 
fluence EMINENTLY  PASTORAL.  For  the  waut  of  it,  she 
sadly  bleeds ;  and  in  the  absence  of  it,  year  after  year, 
during  our  two  centuries  of  civil  existence,  she  has  remain- 
ed torpid  ;  dying,  yet  breathing  ;  yea,  panting  for  that, 
she  knew  not  what, — this  very  pastoral  power.  And  as 
one  among  you,  should  such  an  appointment  be  made 
as  I  have  described,  I  desire  that  he  may  not  he  recog- 
nized, or  spoken  of  as  an  Agent,  respectable  and  useful 
as  such  officers  are  in  our  many  associations,  but  as  a 
minister  among  our  churches,  whose  great  dtitg  it  is,  to 
improve  to  his  utmost  e'jfort,  under  Christ,  our  Hhode 
Island  Baptist  State  Pastorate. 

And  in  this  place  permit  me  to  express  my  convic- 
tion that  the  proposition  now  presented,  is  practicable, 
and  to  assure  you  that  the  sympathies  of  the  people  to 
a  very  great  extent  will  be  with  you  in  this  measure. 
I  have  conversed  with  brethren  in  various  towns,  whose 
judgment  approves  it.  And  I  see  not  why  we  should 
not  immediately  go  forth  into  a  territory,  settled,  and  in 
the  beginning  for  many  years  occupied  almost  exclu- 
sively by  Baptists.  Not  that  we  would  interfere  with 
other  forms  of  doctrine  varying  from  our  own,  but  on 
grounds  sacred  to  all,  act  as  those  who  are  fully  per- 
suaded in  their  own  minds,  being  accountable  to  no  other 


116 

than  the  Lord  of  the  conscience  for  our  religious  be- 
lief, and  in  our  actions  also  amenable  only  to  him,  un- 
less we  violate  common  law  and  offend  against  the  civil 
rights  of  our  neighbors  ;  rights  which  law  must  protect, 
and  which  law,  every  member  in  the  community  ought 
by  every  means  in  his  power  fully  to  sustain,  or  suffer  a 
righteous  penalty. 

In  conclusion,  tendering  to  you,  my  best  wishes  for 
your  personal  and  mutual  usefulness,  I  ask  you  to  ac- 
cept the  printed  and  written  report,  made  by  each  of 
our  fifty-one  churches,  detailing  vaiious  facts  connected 
with  their  respective  bodies,  and  which  I  herewith  lay 
on  your  table,  to  be  placed  upon  the  files  of  your  secre- 
tary. Also,  as  much  of  the  time  of  the  Pastor  of  the 
Central  Baptist  Church  in  Newport,  has  been  devoted 
to  this  mission,  to  an  account  of  which  you  have  now 
listened,  I  request  your  acceptance  as  from  them  of 
the  bill  of  his  travelling,  postage,  and  other  expenses, 
amounting  in  even  figures,  to  seventy  dollars. 

And  may  the  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and 
THE  love  of  God,  and  the  communion  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  be  with  you  all. 

Your  servant  for  Jesus'  sake, 

HENRY  JACKSON. 


117 


OFFICERS    OF   THE 

EHODE-ISLAND    BAPTIST    STATE    CONVENTION 

FOR   THE   YEAR   1853-4. 

President,  James  N.  Granger,  Providence. 
Vice-President,  Henry  Jackson,  Newport. 

Corresponding  Secretary,  

Recording  Secretary,  Joseph  C.  Hartshorn,  Providence. 
Treasurer,  Rhodes  B.  Chapman,  Providence. 


BOARD  OF 
F.  Wayland,  Providence, 
T.  C.  Jameson,        " 
B.  Spencer,  Lippitt  and  Phenix, 
F.  Smith,  Providence, 
S.  W.  Field,  Providence, 
James  Boyce,        " 
B.  Peck,  " 

S.  Adlam,  Newport, 
J.  0.  Choules,   " 
B.  Miner,  Providence, 
A.  M.  Gammell,  Warren, 


MANAGERS. 

F.  Denison,  Westerly, 
Wm.  Phillips,  Providence, 
George  Pierce,  Pawtuxet, 
J.  H.  Read,  Providence, 
J.  B.  Breed,  Woonsocket, 
J.  E.  Chesshire,  Wickfbrd, 
E.  Savage,  Pawtucket, 
V.  J.  Bates,  Providence, 
J.  C.  Welsh,         " 
I.  M.  Church,  S.  Ivingston. 


Asa  Newell,  Providence, 


AUDITORS. 

J.  H.  Read,  Providence. 


Life-Members  of  the   Convention,  1854. 


Adlam  Rev.  Samuel, 
Albro  Stephen  B. 
*Allen  John, 
Amsbury  Jesse, 
Andrews  William, 
Anthony  Loi-enzo  D. 
Arnold  Rev.  Albert  N. 
Arnold  Mrs.  Frances  R. 
Arnold  Richard  J. 
Asher  Rev.  Jeremiah, 
Avery  William  D. 
Aylesworth  John, 
Babcock  Amos, 
Babcock  Cyril, 
Bailey  Benjamin  D. 
Bailey  Mrs.  Urania  L. 
Baker  Ehsha  W. 
Baker  Rev.  John  H. 
Barker  Simeon, 
Barker  Wm.  H. 
Barrows  E.  S. 
Barrus  William  L. 
Bates  Mrs.  Joanna, 
Bates  Nahum, 
Bates  Varnum  J. 

*Deceased. 


*Bates  Whitman, 
Benedict  Rev.  D. 
Benedict  S.  Gano, 
Benedict  Uriah, 
Bishop  Nathan, 
Blake  David  B. 
Boise  Prof.  James  R. 
Boardman  George  D. 
Bowen  Allan,  jun. 
Boyce  James, 
Bradford  Rev.  S.  S. 
Bradley  William, 
Bray  ton  Rev.  Jonathan, 
Brown  Rev.  Allen, 
Brown  Hugh  H. 
Budlong  James  E. 
Budlong  Rebecca  A. 
BulHngton  George  W. 
Bullock  Mrs.  Anna  D. 
Bump  Nathaniel, 
Burdick  Rev.  D.  M. 
Burgess  Alexander, 
Burgess  Rev.  I.  J. 
Burrows  John  R. 
Rutler  James  H. 


Byram  Rev.  B.  P. 
Cannon  John, 
Carr  ]\Irs.  Mary  T. 
Carr  T.  T. 
Caswell  Rev.  Alexis, 
Chace  Prof.  George  I. 
Chacc  Otis, 
Chace  Perry  J. 
Chaplin  Rev.  Jeremiah 
Chapman  Rhodes  B. 
Chesshire  Rev.  J.  E. 
Choules  Rev.  John  O. 
Clapp  Russell, 
Clark  Rev.  George  K. 
Clark  Mrs.  Lydia, 
Cogswell  Rev.  Wilson, 
Cole  Samuel  J. 
Coleman  Jesse, 
Crandall  Henrie, 
Crocker  Rev.  G.  D. 
Crooker  Josiah  F. 
Daniels  De.xter, 
*Daniels  George  P. 
Daniels  Hannah  P. 
Davis  Rev.  John, 


118 


Day  Daniel, 
Dayton  L. 
Denbam  Daniel  C. 
Denison  Rev.  F. 
*Dexter  John, 
*Dexter  Levi  C. 
Dexter  Mrs.  Sarah, 
Douglas  Rev.  William 
Dowlins;  Rev.  John, 
Dowling  Rev.  Thomas, 
Drowne  Henry  B. 
Di'iscoU  Hannah, 
Durfee  Sanford, 
Eddy  Richard  E. 
Eddy  John  S. 
ElHott  Lemuel  H. 
*ElIis  Augustus, 
Ely  Dr.  S:  W.  C. 
Fairbrother  Lewis, 
*Fenner  Thomas, 
Field  Rev.  Samuel  W. 
Foley  Thomas  W. 
Fuller  Rev.  Edward  K. 
Fyte  Rev.  Robert  A. 
Fyfe  Mrs.  Rebecca  S. 
Gammell  A.  M. 
Gammell  Prof.  Wm. 
Gamwell  Albert  A. 
Gerald  Samuel  A. 
Giles  Miss  Susan  H. 
Goddard  Isaac, 
GoffL-a  D. 
Gorham  Charles, 
Gowdey  James  A. 
Gower  Rev.  H.  B. 
Graves  Rev.  J.  M. 
Granger  Rev.  J.  N. 
Green  Mrs.  Cornelia  E. 
Green  Russell, 
Greene  Benjamin, 
Greene  John  W. 
Greene  Prof.  S.  S. 
Green  William  C. 
Greenwood  Walter, 
Guild  George, 
Guild  Reuben  A. 
Hague  Rev.  William, 
Hail  George, 
Ham  William, 
Harkness  Albert, 
Hazard  Joseph  W. 
Hedden  Rev.  B.  F. 
Hoar  Lewis, 
Holroyd  James  M. 


Hol>Tod  Mrs.  C.  V. 
Howland  Benj.  B. 
Hudson  William  PL 
Humphreys  Wm.  S. 
Ives  Mrs.  Hope, 
Jackson  Rev.  Henry, 
Jackson  Mrs.  Maria  T. 
Jackson  Phebe, 
Jameson  Rev.  T.  C. 
Jameson  Mrs.  Lucinda  L. 
Jastram  George  B. 
Jenckes  Jabez  W. 
Jencks  J.  F. 
Jolls  John  F. 
Kingsley  James  W. 
Knowles  ]Mrs.  Susan  E. 
Lake  William  D. 
Langley  Joshua  H. 
Langley  Nath'l  H. 
Langley  William  C. 
Lawton  Gideon, 
Lincoln  Rev.  J.  W. 
Lincoln  Prof.  John  L. 
Ludlow  Clarissa  Ann, 
Ludlow  Sally  L 
Luther  Job, 
Lyon  Merrick, 
Manchester  Giles, 
jMarchant  Henry, 
IMarsh  Benjamin, 
l^Iartin  Philip  W. 
Martin  Silvanus  G. 
]\Iason  George  B. 
]\Iason  Joseph  R. 
]Mason  Nathan 
]Mason  Stephen  G. 
Mathewson  Mrs.  E. 
]\Iathewson  Nathan  F. 
Matteson  Rev.  N.  H. 
I\lillard  William  C. 
Miller  Mrs.  Ann  Eliza, 
Miller  Frederick, 
*:Miller  Pardon, 
j\liner  Rev.  Bradley, 
Morse  Susan, 
Munger  Enos, 
Newell  Asa, 
Northup  Thomas  G. 
Olney  James, 
Paine  John  J. 
Pattison  Rev.  R.  E. 
Pearce  Mrs.  Lydia, 
Peck  George  B. 
Peck  George  H. 


Peck  Josias  L. 
Philips  Rev.  WlUIam, 
Pierce  Rev.  George, 
Pike  Jonathan, 
Potter  Miss  Maria  L. 
Prevaux  Rev.  Francis  E. 
Read  Cyrus  B. 
Read  James  H. 
Read  Joshua, 
Rhodes  Benjamin  H. 
Rhodes  Rev.  Christ'r, 
Richards  Rev.  Samuel, 
Richardson  T.  A. 
Rogers  Mrs.  Eliza  B. 
Rogers  Zoan, 
Ross  Daniel  V. 
Rounds  Daniel, 
Robbins  Charles, 
Russell  Rev.  J.  W. 
Salisbury  Luther, 
Sanders  Edwin, 
Satterlee  A.  B. 
Saunders  Henry, 
Saunders  Jacob, 
Savage  Rev.  Edward, 
Schubarth  N.  B. 
Seabury  T.  M. 
Seagraves  Rev.  E. 
Serrington  Rev.  W.  B. 
*Shaw  Charles, 
Shaw  George  C. 
Sheldon  Miss  JNIary, 
Sherman  (Jeorge  J. 
Sherman  James  H. 
Slater  Mrs.  Sarah  J. 
Slocum  S. 
Slocum  Samuel  D. 
Smith  Edward, 
Smith  Rev.  Francis, 
Smith  Rev.  Joseph, 
Spencer  Wm.  B. 
Spink  Nicholas  N. 
Stevens  Philip, 
Stewart  Rev.  Henry  G. 
Stillman  Ira, 
Stillman  O.  M. 
Stillwell  Abraham  G. 
Stillwell  Samuel  S. 
Stone  Gilman, 
Stuart  A.  P.  S. 
Sweet  Menzies, 
Taylor  Rev.  A.  H. 
Teft  Thomas  A. 
*Thayer  Seth, 


119 


Thurber  Miss  Hetty, 
Tlllinshast  Allen, 
Tillinghast  Charles  E. 
Tillinghast  Rev.  J.  A. 
Tobey  Rev.  Zalmon, 
Townsend  Solomon, 
Verrinder  Rev.  Wm. 
Vincent  Joseph  R. 
Wadsworth  J.  A. 
Wait  Gideon, 
Warren  David  B. 


Waterman  George, 
Way  land  Rev.  Francis, 
Way  land  Ilenian  L. 
Wayland  IMrs.  li.  S.  II. 
Wells  Elisha  C. 
Welch  Stillman, 
Welsh  Rev.  John  C. 
Wheaton  James, 
Wheeler  O.  C. 
Whipple  Miss  Anna, 


*Whipplo  Arnold, 
Whipple  ]\Irs.  Phebe, 
White  Franklin, 
AVilbur  Asa, 
Wiilard  Rev.  Geo.  A. 
Willard  Lucius  A. 
Willis  George  C. 
Woods  Rev.  Alva, 
Yeoman  s  Henry  P. 
Yorkc  John, 


[Life  members  whose  names  are  omitted  in  the  above  list,  will  please  men- 
tion the  fact  to  the  Recording  Secretary.] 


The  following  named  persons  sustain  the  office  of  the 
Christian  Ministry  in  Rhode  Island,  according  to  the 
usages  of  their  respective  denominational  orders.  The 
names  of  those  not  pastors  are  in  italics. 

AssocixiTED  Baptists. — Francis  Wayland,  James  N. 
Granger,  Ale.vis  Casivell,  Aha  IVoods^  William  Doug- 
lass, Henrjj  Day,  Samuel  W.  Field,  John  C.  Welsh, 
William  Philips,  J.  C.  Hartshorn,  Bradley  Miner, 
Chauncey  G.  Leonard,  Warren  Randolph,  George  R. 
Darrow,  Perry  Davis,  Francis  Smith,  William  B.  Ser- 
rington,  Zalmon  Tohey,  John  O.  Choules,  Edward  Savage, 
Jonathan  Brayton,  David  M.  Burdick,  Isaac  N.  Hobart, 

George  Pierce,   J.  F.  Bigelow, Warren,  John 

E.  Chesshire,  C.  Casson  Lewis,  Samuel  Adlam,  George 
H.  Clark,  Benedict  Johnson,  Jun.,  Isaac  M.  Church,  F. 
Denison,  J.  A.  Tillinghast,  John  Tillinghast,  S.  A. 
Thomas,  Benjamin  F.  Heddcn,  S.  B.  Bailey,  J.  P.  Bur- 
bank,  G.  A.  Willard,  Henry  Jackson,  Ira  Bates,  J.  W. 
Allen,  A.  A.  Ross,  A.  Sheldon,  G.  Silver,  D.  Benedict, 
J.  B.  Breed,  F.  Wiley,  J.  Blain,   S.  8.  Mallery,  S.  8. 

Bradford,  E.  8eayraves,  P.  Tillinghast, Palmer, 

W.  Archer,  R.  Dennis,  E.  J.  Lock.  Pastors  supply- 
ing regularly  38 — others  20 — in  all  58. 


120 

Six  Principle  Baptists. — John  Gardner,  John  Slo- 
cum,  Thomas  Tillinghast,  S.  Kenyon,  T.  S.  Tillinghast, 
J.  Tillinghast,  D.  R  Knight,  J.  Potter,  W.  P.  Place,  P. 
Harrington,  W.  Pearce,  G.  W.  Potter,  S  Knight,  A. 
Aldrich,  W.  R  Slocum,  D.  Slocu?n,  B.  B.  Cottrel,  N. 
W.  Warner,  A.  J.  Harrington,  W.  Storier,  S.  Matteson, 
JR.  Knight. 

Free  Will  Baptists.— G.  T.  Day,  E.  Scott.  J.  Pratt, 
E.  R  Rose,  W.  H.  Hastings,  R  Allen,  H.  Qnimby,  A. 
Brown,  J.  B.  Smith,  P.  Nocake,  E.  Noyes,  D.  Lancaster, 
M.  Phillips,  J.  S.  Moivry,  J.  A.  Mlvenzie,  B.  Phalon, 

D.  P.  Harrison,  A.  Durfee,  E.  White,  D.  Williams,  H. 
C.  Hopkins,  T.  C.  Brown,  W.  N.  Patt,  L.  Parker,  W. 
Dick,  D.  Carr,  J.  Hammond,  D.  R.  Whittemore,  E.  R 
Littlefield. 

Christian  Baptists. — A.  G.  Martin,  D.  Knowlton,  J. 
Onell,  W.  ShurtlefF,  C.  Bugbee,  G.  L.  Smith,  J.  Wallen, 
J.  Burlingame,  M.  B.  Hopkins,  N.  Luther,  J.  Taylor, 
N.  Sweet,  G.  Williams. 

Seventh  Day  Baptists. — L.  Crandall,  C.  Lewis,  D. 
Coon,  H.  Clark,  J.  Greene,  A.  B.  Burdick. 

Episcopalians. — N.  B.  Crocker,  G.  Taft,  H.  Water- 
man, J.  Trapnell,  Jun.,  J.  Kellog,  D.  C.  Millett,  H. 
Williams,  D.  R.  Brewer,  B.  Watson,  K.  J.  Stewart,  T. 
H.  Vail,  B.  P.  Talbot,  G.  W.  Hathaway,  E.  P.  Gray,  S. 
A.  Crane,  F.  J.  Warner,  W.  H.  Mills,   G.  W.  Chevers, 

E.  F.  Watson,  G.  Anthony,  J.  H.  Fames,  J.  Bristed, 
L.  Burge,  J.  H  Carpenter,  P.  B.  Fairbaiti,  D.  Hen- 
shaw,  E.  L.  Droivn,  E.  W.  Stokes,  P.  Tocqiie. 

CoNGREGATioNALisTs,  Orthodox. — S.  S.  Hyde,  T.  Shep- 
ard,  S.  Blane,  D.  Andrews,  J.  Leavitt,  T.  A.  Taylor, 
J.  Mann,  C.  C.  Beaman,  S.  Wolcott,  R  H.  Conklin,  O. 


121 

F.  Otis,  G.  Uliler,  J.  C.  Seagrave,  R.  Toney,  L.  Swain, 
T.  Thayer,  E.  H.  Blanchard,  J.  Reid,  S.  S.  Tappan. 

Associate  Presbyterian. — A.  H.  Diimont,  R.  P. 
Dunn,  (O.  S.) 

CONGREGATIONALTSTS,    UNITARIAN. E.    B.  Hall,    C.  T. 

Brooks,  F.  H.  Hedge,  E.  M.  Stone. 

Wesleyan  Methodist — J.  M.  H.  Dow. 

Methodist  Episcopal. — S.  C.  Brown,  D.  Patten,  J. 
Hinsoii,  W-  T.  Harlow,  J.  Cady,  S.  Benton,  G.  W. 
Stearns,  J.  Lovejoy,  C.  Hammond,  C.  Banning,  C.  Na- 
son,  P.  Crandon,  H.  H.  Smith,  E.  A.  Lyon,  W.  Cone, 
C.  S.  Hazard,  H.  C.  Atwater,  B.  AUyn,  L.  B.  Bates,  D. 
Fillmore,  J.  Fillmore,  E.  S.  Stanley,  G.  C.  Bancroft. 

Universalists. — E.  A.  Eaton,  T.  D.  Cook,  B.  B.  Nich- 
olas, A.  C.  Abbot,  J.  Boyden,  Jun. 

SwEDENBORGiANS. — J.  Preiiticc, Grecnc. 

Second  Advent. — G.  W.  Burnham,  G.  Needham. 

KoMAN  Catholics. — B.  O'Reiley,  J.  Hughes,  O.  Gor- 
man, J.  Stokes,  T.  Quinn,  D.  Wheeler,  P.  Delancy,  P. 
Lanaham,  J.  O'Peilly,  J.  Gibson,  J.  Fitten,  J.  McName, 
J.  P.  Cahill,  P.  Lamb,  H.  Carmody. 

Society  of  Friends. — T.  Anthony,  R.  Greene,  E. 
Peckham,  T.  C.  Collins,  L.  Almy,  S.  B.  Tobey,  J.  Head- 
er, E.  Header,  H.  Header,  H.  Robinson,  A.  D.  Wing, 
M.  Beede,  T.  Gould,  G.  Congdon. 

Great  interest  has  been  recently  created  among  all 
denominations  of  christians  in  the  cause  of  ministerial 
education,  because  of  the  great  want  of  ministers  to 
preach  the  word  of  life.  In  the  records  of  the  last  Provi- 
dence Annual  Conference  of  the  Hethodist  Episcopal 
Church,  the  following  resolution,  expressive  alike  of 
the  feelings  of  every  christian  heart,  was  unanimously 

16 


122 

adopted;   it  exhibits  the  convictions   of  that  body   of 
believers  on  this  subject. 

"  Resolved,  In  view  of  the  great  want  of  ministers  to 
supply  the  work  within  the  bounds  of  this  Conference, 
that  the  first  Friday  in  September  be  observed  as  a  day 
of  Fasting  and  Prayer,  and  that  on  said  day  our  people 
be  respectfidly  requested  to  assemble  in  their  places  of 
worship,  and  humbly,  unitedly,  and  earnestly  implore 
'  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  to  send  forth  more  laborers 
into  His  harvest,'  and  that  the  Baptism  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  may  be  graciously  vouchsafed  to  the  Zion  of  God." 

There  are  three  principles  laid  down  in  a  work  pub- 
lished in  1681,  which  as  Baptists,  we  shall,  I  trust,  ever 
maintain  and  advocate,  viz :  "  Taking  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures as  their  only  perfect  rule  in  all  religious  matters — 
allowing  each  rational  person  to  judge  of  their  meaning 
for  himself — and  holding  that  all  the  power  of  office  and 
government  in  the  church  of  Christ  is  derived  from  him, 
by  his  word  and  Spirit,  to  each  particular  church,  and 
not  by  a  local  succession  from  any  other  power  in 
the  world."  "  And  so  far  as  any  have  declined  from 
this  last  principle,"  the  same  writer  remarks,  "  there- 
in they  have  rejected  a  main  reason  of  separation  from 
the  church  of  Rome." 

To  the  reader,  unacquainted  with  the  facts,  it  may  ap- 
pear somewhat  peculiar  that  so  much  has  been  printed 
in  this  volume  respecting  the  senior  Baptist  date  in  this 
country.  But  as  an  historical  fact,  I  felt  that  it  was  im- 
portant that  it  should  be  determined ;  and  also  to  ac- 
count for  the  well  known  proceedings  at  the  baptism  of 
Williams.  It  appeared  very  strange,  if,  as  has  been 
claimed,  Mr.  Clark  was  a  settled  Baptist  minister  in  New- 


123 

port  in  March,  1638,  that  Mr.  Williams  and  his  ten  as- 
sociates, did  not  invite  him  to  perform  this  sacred  rite, 
instead  of  one  of  their  own  number ;  and  especially  as 
Mr.  Williams  and  Mr.  Clark,  during  their  whole  ac- 
quaintance, cherished  towards  each  other  the  very  kind- 
est affection.  The  truth  is,  as  I  believe,  Mr.  Clark  was 
not  at  that  time  an  administrator.  It  is  self  evident  if 
he  had  been,  that  Mr.  Williams  and  his  brethren  would 
have  availed  themselves  of  his  services.  But  I  have  as 
yet  been  unable  from  any  source,  to  learn  when  Mr. 
Clark  became  a  baptist,  although  he  conducted  religious 
meetings  from  1638.  Neither  Comer  nor  Callender,  say  a 
word  about  it.  If  he  was  a  baptist  in  England,  he  is 
not  recognized  as  such  in  any  journal  now  extant  in  this 
country  before  the  schism  in  Newport  in  1641,  if  in- 
deed he  was,  according  to  Comer,  (the  earliest  Baptist 
Historian  in  America)  prior  to  1644. 

It  is  clear  from  Mr.  Comer's  manuscript,  referred  to 
on  page  95,  that  in  his  opinion  no  church  of  any  denom- 
ination had  been  formed  on  the  Island  prior  to  1644, 
for  in  his  History  there  named,  he  expressly  states,  that 
Mr.  Clark  and  his  friends,  having  secured  a  civil  organ- 
ization, sice  years  after  their  purchase,  sought  to  make 
provision  for  their  souls  through  the  establishment  of  a 
church,  which  they  then  (1644)  formed. 

It  is  to  present  Mr.  Williams  as  the  flxther  of  civil  and 
religious  liberty,  and  to  identify  the  first  christian  bap- 
tism in  America ;  to  illustrate  also  the  high  position  of 
Mr.  Clark  in  the  same  respects  for  which  Mr.  Williams 
is  distinguished,  that  the  writer  has  entered  upon  this 
discussion. 

Some  few  typographical  errors  have  occurred,  not- 
withstanding all  the  care  that  has  been  exercised.     But 


124 

I  am  happy  to  state  that  these  are  merely  such,  except 
in  the  date  of  Washington  County  on  page  35,  which 
should  be  not  1779,  but  1729;  and  on  page  39,  it 
should  be  John  and  Sarah  Stanton ;  and  the  name  Howes 
in  the  Warren  church  should  be  L.  I.  Hoar,  and  in  the 
Lime  Rock  church,  the  deacon's  name  should  be  E.  Ide  ; 
and  in  page  56,  line  13th  from  the  bottom,  it  should 
read  "  are  piinished  T  and  on  page  68,  the  date  should 
be  not  1703,  but  1803;  and  on  page  77,  the  presiding 
officer  of  the  Trustees,  should  be  styled  not  President, 
but  Chancellor;  and  on  page  94,  the  Clerk  of  the  First 
Westerly  Church  should  be  Buel,  and  not  Bull ;  and  on 
page  95,  the  settlement  of  Rev.  Mr.  Granger  should  be 
1842,  and  not  1853. 

It  is  due  also  that  I  tender  to  Reuben  A.  Guild,  Esq., 
of  Providence,  the  thanks  of  the  Board  of  the  Conven- 
tion for  his  exceedingly  valuable  services  in  the  super- 
intendance  of  this  publication — a  work  of  great  care  and 
patience.  Also  to  Rev.  Messrs.  Burbank,  Denison,  and 
Brayton,  and  to  Messrs.  Steadman,  Spencer,  and  Arnold 
of  Cumberland,  for  their  very  kind  and  generous  servi- 
ces in  my  tours.  In  relation  to  the  city  of  Newport  as 
described  on  page  29,  the  writer  was  led  into  a  slight 
error.  The  true  record  is,  having  obtained  a  charter, 
the  citizens  accepted  it  June  1,  1784,  and  Hon.  George 
Hazard  was  elected  mayor,  and  P.  Baker,  clerk.  This 
government  continued  until  March  22,  1787,  when  by 
a  political  influence,  created  through  the  opposition  of 
Mr.  N.  Easton  to  the  decree  of  a  mutual  referee,  by 
which  the  control  of  the  first  Beach  had  been  awarded 
to  the  city,  the  charter  was  surrendered  in  conformity  to 
the  decision  of  the  Legislature,  and  a  vote  of  thanks 


125 

passed  on  the  2Tth,  to  the  city  officers  for  the  efficient 
and  excellent  services  they  had  performed;  who  were 
also,  as  additional  testimony  of  the  public  confidence, 
elected  to  the  Town  Council  immediately  upon  the  re- 
turn of  the  city  to  its  original  town  government.  But 
Mr.  Easton  in  the  end  secured  nothing  hereby ;  for  the 
Beach,  from  the  period  of  that  decision  has  been,  as  at 
present  it  is,  under  the  government  of  the  constituted 
authorities  of  Newport. 


126 


CIVIL  GOYERNIMENT    OF  RHODE  ISLAND, 

January,  1854. 


FRANCIS  M.  DIMOND,  Bristol, 

GOVERXOR   AND     Ex-OFFICIO    PRESIDENT    OF    THE    SeNATE  ; 

Lieutenant  Governor. 

Asa  Potter  of  South  Kingstown,  Secretary  of  State. 

Walter  S.  Burges  of  Cranston,  Attorney  General. 

Edwin  Wilbur  of  Newport,  General  Treasurer. 

LuciAS  C.  Ashley,  Clerk  of  the  Senate. 

Benj.  F.  Thurston,  Speaker  of  the  House. 

William  J.  ]\Iiller  and  John  Eddy,  Clerks  of  the  House. 


SENATORS  AND  REPRESENTATIVES. 

Towns.  Newport.  Senator — Isaac  P.  Hazard.  Representatives — Henry 
Y.  Cranston,  Joseph  Anthony,  Thomas  R.  Hunter,  Seth  Bateman,  John  T. 
Bush. 

Middletown.     Senator — John  Gould.     Representative — Abner  Ward. 

Portsmouuh.  Senator — George  W.  Chace.  Representative — George 
Manchester. 

Tiverton.  Senator — Joseph  Osborne.  Representatives — George  W. 
Humphrey,  Augustus  Chace,  Nathaniel  B.  Durfee. 

Little  Compton.  Senator — Nathaniel  Church.  Representative — OUver 
C.  Brownell. 

New  Shoreham.  Senator — Samuel  Dunn.  Representative — Anderson 
C.  Rose. 

Jamestown.  Senator — George  C.  Carr.  Representative — William  A. 
Weeden,  Jun. 

Providence.  Senator — Thomas  P.  Shepard.  Representatives — Edward 
S.  Lyon,  Henry  J.  Angell,  Americus  V.  Potter,  Samuel  True,  Clarke  Steere, 
Henry  J.  Burroughs,  Nathaniel  A.  Eddy,  Daniel  Remington,  Benjamin  F. 
Thurston,  William  E.  Peck,  Benjamin  B.  Knight,  Thomas  Pierce,  Jr. 

Smithfield.  Senator — Robert  Harris.  Representatives — Israel  Sayles, 
John  Fenner,  Emor  Coe,  Thomas  Steere,  Ehsha  Mowiy,  2d,  Samuel  D. 
Slocum. 

Glocester.  Senator — Cyrus  Farnum.  Representatives — Jesse  P.  Bal- 
lon, George  L.  Owen. 

SciTUATE.  Senator — Ii'a  Cowee.  Representatives — Jonah  Titus,  Albert 
K.  Barnes. 

Cranston.  Senator — H.  A.  Potter.  Representatives — Almoran  Harris, 
Albert  S.  Gallup. 


127 

Johnston.     Senator — Alfred  Anthony.    Eej)resetitaiives — William  Baker, 
William  II.  Mattliewson. 

isORTH  Providence.     Senator — Charles  S.  Bradley.     Representatives-^- 
John  Tucker,  William  E.  Dodge,  Enoch  Brown,  John  H.  Weeden. 

Cumberland.     Senator — Lyman   Burlingame.      Representatives — Lewis 
B.  Arnold,  John  E.  Brown,  Mowry  Taft,  AVilliam  Whip^ile. 

BURRILVILLE.     Senator — BurrlULogee.     Representatives — Esten  Angell 
Josiah  S.  Thayer. 

Foster.    Senator — William  G.  Stone.    Representative — Richard  Howard. 

North  Kingston.     Senator — John  J.  Reynolds.     Representatives — Syl- 
vester G.  Shearman,  George  A.  Davis. 

South    Kingston.      Senator — Stephen   A.   Wright.     Representatives — 
John  C.  Perry,  George  L.  Hazard. 

Westerly.  Senator — Charles  Maxon.   Representative — Nathan  F.  Dixon. 

Charlestown.     Senator — Jos.  H.  Cross.   Representative — Joseph  Gavitt. 

Richmond.     Senator — George  Weeden.   Representative — Daniel  Kenyon. 

Hopkinton.      Senator — John    S.    Champlin.     Representative — Jonathan 
R.  Wells. 

Exeter.     Senator — Isaac  Greene.     Representative — John  Hoxie. 

Waravick.     Senator — John  Brown  Francis.     Representatives — Simon  H. 
Greene,  Christopher  Holden,  Pardon  Spencer,  Randall  Holden,  2d. 

Coventry.     Senator — William    S.   Harris.     Representatives — Cromwell 
Whipple,  Levi  Johnson. 

East    Greenwich.     Senator — Walter  Spencer.     Representative — John 
Shippee. 

West  Greenwich.      Senator — Thomas   T.   Hazard.      Representative — 
William  B.  Whitford. 

Bristol.     Senator — Benjamin  Hall.     Rep)-esentatives — John  B.  Munro, 
J.  Russell  Bullock. 

Warren.     Senator — Henry  H.  Luther.      Representatives — Alfred  Bos- 
worth,  Rodolphus  B.  Johnson. 

Barrington.     Senator — AUin  BIcknell.    Representative — Pardon  Clarke. 


SUPREME    COURT   OF    RHODE   ISLAND. 
Richard  W.  Greene  of  Providence,  Chief  Justice. 
Levi  Haile  of  Warren,  Associate  Justice. 
William  R.  Staples  of  Providence,  Associate  Justice. 
George  A.  Brayton  of  Warwick,  Associate  Justice. 


Clerks  of  Supreme  Court.  Clerks  of  Court  Com.  Pleas. 
Newport  County,    George  C.  Shaw,  George  C.  Shaw, 

Providence     "         Edwin  Metcalf,  Levi  Salisbury, 

Washington   "         Edwin  H.  ChampUn,  Edwin  H.  Champlin, 

Bristol  "         John  W.  Dearth,  John  W.  Dearth, 

Kent  "        Torris  M.  Evans,  Hazard  Carder. 


128 

SHERIFFS. 

Newport  County,  Richard  Shaw ; 
Providence  County,  Robert  G.  Lewis ; 
Washington  County,  Nathan  B.  Lillibridge ; 
Bristol  County,  John  S.  Pearce; 
Kent  County,  Alexander  Allen. 


UNITED    STATES    CIRCUIT    COURT. 
B.  R.  CuRTiss  of  Boston,  Associate  Justice  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  U.  S. 
John  Pitman  of  Providence,  District  Judge. 
John  T.  Pitman  of  Providence,  Clerk. 


Charles  T.  James  of  Providence,  Senator  in  Congress. 

Philip  Allen  of  Providence,  Senator  in  Congress. 

Thomas    Davis    of  North   Pi-ovidence,    Representative   from  Eastern 

District. 

Benjamin  B.  Thurston  of  Hopkinton,  Representative  from  Western 

District. 


Sayles,  Miller  and  Simons,  Printers  to  the  State. 


CHRONOLOGICAL   REGISTER. 

It  is  not  inappropriate,  and  I  trust  it  will  not  be  unacceptable,  if  a  chrono- 
logical re"-ister  of  some  additional  events,  (American  principally,)  be  append'^ 
ed  to  a  document  so  statistical  as  the  one  now  presented. 
1492.    America  was  discovered  October  12th,  by    Christopher   Columbus,  a 

Genoese,  employed  in  the   service  of  Ferdinand  and  Isabella,  of  the 

United  kingdoms  of  Aragon  and  Castile,  or  the  kingdom  of  Spain ; 

from  which  there  was  obtained  for  the  Spanish  crown,  a  vast  increase 

of  possessions  and  wealth. 
1578-9.  Eni-land  shared  largely  in  the   riches  of  America,  under   a  Patent 

"•ranted  by  Queen  Elizabeth.     Also  from  another  Patent,  March  25th, 

1584;  a  year  memorable  also  for  the   establishment  in    Spain  of  the 

"  Inquisition." 
1602.    Capt.  Gosnold  failed  to  settle  in  New   England,  a  country  wliich  he 

had  at  this  date  discovered. 

1606.  Virginia  was  divided  into  two   Colonies,  April   10th,  by  the  order  of 
Kin<T  James,  and  called  North  and  South  Colony. 

1607.  Virginia  settled  by  Capt.  John  Smith,  who  gave  it  its  present  name. 
1620.    In  1517  learning  Avas  revived  in  Europe,  the  Reformation  was  begun 

by  Luther,  and  others  in  Germany,  and  was  carried  forward,  particu- 
larly in  England,  until  its  final  establishment  by  an  Act  of  Parliament 


129 

under  Queen  Elizabeth.  On  account  of  the  great  zeal  of  very  many 
persons  to  remove  from  among  them  every  vestige  of  popery  and  su- 
perstition, and  to  make  the  Bible  their  real  rule  in  Avorship  and  disci- 
pline, as  well  as  in  faith,  they  were  soon  denominated  by  the  opposing 
party,  Puritans,  because  they  sought  a  purer  church  than  that  party 
thought  was  necessary.  And  the  settlements  of  New  England,  in  fact, 
were  a  consequence  that  resulted  ft-om  the  disputes  which  had  attend- 
ed the  reformation  in  England.  In  1G08-9  several  of  the  Puritans  re- 
siding in  the  north  of  England,  removed  to  Holland.  After  about 
twelve  years  residence  in  Leyden,  the  town  where  they  had  settled, 
they  obtained  a  Patent  of  lands  in  this  country,  and  soon  afterwards 
sailed  for  America.  They  arrived  at  Cape  Cod,  on  the  9th  of  Novem- 
ber, 1620;  bnt  finding  serious  obstructions  to  their  settlement  there, 
they  concluded  to  locate  at  a  place  called  by  the  Indians,  Patuxet ; 
and  landed  the  month  ensuing,  Dec.  22d,  naming  it  New  Plymouth. 
They  became  permanently  established  at  Plymouth  by  a  Patent  which 
they  had  obtained  "from  the  New  England  Company,  the  13th  of 
January,  1629-30."  Almost  all  the  first  settlers  of  New  England 
were  Puritans. 

1633.  The  First  Free  School  in  New  England  was  founded  at  Charlestown, 
Mass. 

1643.  Confederation  of  the  New  England  Colonies  for  mutual  defence  was 
formed. 

1664.    New  york  was  surrendered  by  the  Dutch  to  the  English. 

1732.  George  Washington  was  born  in  Westmoreland  County,  Virginia, 
February  2  2d. 

1 738.    John  Callender,  preached  his  Century  Sermon  at  Newport,  March  24th. 

1 744.    French  war  was  began,  and  continued  until  1 748. 

1754.  French  war  was  renewed — it  was  declared  in  1756,  and  terminated  in 
1763. 

1758.    Newport  Mercury  was  established  June  12. 

1765.    Stamp  Act  was  passed  by  Parliament — repealed  in  17G6. 

1765.    First  Colonial  Congress  assembled  at  New  York. 

1767.    Duties  were  imposed  on  tea,  paper,  glass,  and  painter's  colors. 

1773.  British  tea  was  destroyed  at  Boston. 

1774.  Boston  Port  Bill  was  passed. 

1774.  First  Continental  Congress  assembled  in  Carpenter's  Ilall,  in  Phila- 
delpliia,  on  Monday^  Sept.  5th.  The  session  was  opened  with  prayer 
by  the  venerable  Jacob  Duche,  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church. 

1775.  The  first  blood  was  shed  at  Lexington,  Mass.,  on  Wednesday,  April  1 9tli> 
being  the  commencement  of  the  Revolutionary  war.  June  1 7th,  the  Bat- 
tle at  Breed's  and  Bunker  Ilill  was  fought,  and  Charlestown  was  burnt. 

1775.    At  the  Second  Continental  Congress,  convened  in  New  York,  Georgk 


130 

Washington,  aged  43  years,  was  on  June  15th  unanimously  elected 
by  ballot,  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  American  armies. 

1776.  Thursday,  July  4th,  Independence  of  the  United  States  was  de- 
clared by  Congress,  then  in  Session  in  Philadelphia,  and  the  name  of 
Colonies  toas  blotted  out  forever. 

1777.  Articles  of  Confederation  were  signed  by  the  thirteen  States. 

1777.  Gilbert  Mottier  Lafayette  of  France,  arrived  at  Charleston, 
South  CaroUna,  April  25th,  aged  nineteen  years,  he  having  been  born 
Sept.  Gth,  1757. 

1778.  The  Treaty  of  Alliance  with  France  was  made. 

1 780.  The  American  Academy  of  Arts  and  Sciences  was  instituted. 

1781.  The  Confederation  of  the  States  was  confirmed. 

1781.  The  Bank  of  North  America,  New  York,  the  first  American  Bank, 
was  instituted. 

1 782.  The  first  seventy-four  gun-ship  in  the  United  States  was  built  at 
Portsmouth. 

1783.  Saturday,  April  19th,  proclamation  of  Peace  with  England  was  made 
at  the  New-Building  in  Philadelphia ;  and  prayer  was  off*ered  by  the 
venerable  John  Gano,  Pastor  of  Gold-street  Baptist  Church,  New 
Tork ;  a  chaplain  also  in  the  war. 

1783.  Thursday,  Dec.  4th,  George  Washington  took  an  affectionate  leave  of 
his  officers  then  in  New  York ;  and  on  Tuesday,  the  23d,  he  resigned 
his  commission  to  Congress,  assembled  to  receive  it,  at  Annapolis,  Md. 

1 784.  The  first  American  voyage  from  New  York  to  China  was  made  this 
year. 

1 78  7.  George  Washington  presided  at  the  Convention  to  form  a  Constitution 
for  the  Union,  which  was  adopted  by  Virginia  in  December,  and  by 
one  State  after  another  during  years  1787-90. 

1789.  The  Constitution  of  the  United  States  takes  the  place  of  the  Articles 
of  Confederation,  which  had  been  found  to  be  in  their  operation  weak 
and  inefficient. 

1789.  George  Washington  at  the  age  of  fifty-six  years  was  unanimously 
chosen  President,  and  took  the  oath  of  office  in  New  York,  April 
30th,  it  being  administered  to  him  by  Chancellor  Livingston.  The 
principles  of  the  Constitution  were  put  into  operation  by  Washing- 
ton, and  the  country  soon  after  rose  from  extreme  depression ;  it  has 
since  increased  in  population,  commerce,  wealth,  and  power,  to  a  de- 
gree heretofore  unexampled. 

1791.  The  first  United  States  Bank  was  established  in  February,  and  its 
charter  expired  March  4th,  1811.  The  Pro^'idcnce  Bank  was  incor- 
porated in  October,  1791. 

1792.  Telegraph  was  invented  by  Chappe,  and  one  was  established  in 
prance  in  1793,  by  the  National  Parliament 


131 

1793.   "WiLLAsr  Carey  was  appointed  missionary  to  India,  Jan.  Otli,  and 

sailed  from  England,  Thursday,  June  1 3th. 
1793.    George  Washington  was  elected  for  another  term,  March  4th.     He 

retired  to  his  private  residence  at  Mt.  Vernon,  March  4th,  1797. 

1798.  Under  the  apprehensions  of  foreign  aggression,  Washington  was  elect- 
ed for  the  second  time,  July  3d,  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  American 
army.  He  accepted  the  commission  on  the  condition  that  he  might 
select  his  own  officers.  He  was  not  called  to  the  field,  the  dliriculties 
with  France  having  been  amicably  adjusted. 

1799.  Previous  to  the  reception  of  this  adjustment,  and  while  ix  Com- 
mand, George  AVashington  died  at  his  own  house,  at  10  1-2  o'clock, 
P.  M.,  December  14th,  and  Avas  burried  in  his  own  tomb  on  the  18th, 
aged  sixty-seven  years  and  ten  months. 

1799.  The  Massachusetts  Missionary  Society  for  foreign  as  well  as  home 
missions  was  organized  at  Boston,  May  28th. 

1800.  The  city  of  Washington  became  the  seat  of  the  general  government 
1800.    The  first  Fire  and  Marine  Insurance  office  was  established  in  Rhode  Isl- 
and. Ilichard  Jackson,  Jr.,  was  President  from  its  origin  until  his  death, 
which  occurred  on  April  18th,  1838,  a  period  of  thirty-eight  years. 

1802.  May  26th,  the  Massachusetts  Baptist  IMissIonary  Society  was  organized 
at  Boston. 

1803.  The  Baptist  Magazine  was  published  for  the  first  time  September  1st. 

1806.  The  Female  Mite  Society,  of  the  Baptist  Churches  Providence,  was 
constituted  November  11th,  being  the  first  and  oldest  Missionary  or- 
ganization in  Rhode  Island. 

1807.  FuLTOX  first  uses  Steamboats  on  the  Hudson  river,  the  first  boats  o 
their  kind  in  America.     R.  Fulton  died  March  24th,  1815. 

1808.  The  abolition  of  the  slave  trade  was  effected. 

1809.  Cotton  Manufactories  are  now  being  multiplied ;  they  have  now  become 
very  numerous,  and  furnish  large  business  for  the  country  generally. 

1810.  American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  ]VIissIons,  Avas  formed 
at  Bradford,  June  29  th,  1810. 

1810-11.  Gas  introduced  to  light  streets  in  London,  and  public  buildings— « 
greatly  increased  in  1815. 

1811.  First  Steamboats  on  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi  rivers  this  year. 

1812.  Baptist  Foreign  JSIIssIonary  Society  was  organized  October  14th,  at 
Boston. 

1812.  Adoniram  Judson,  Jun.,  and  wife  were  baptized  at  Calcutta,  India, 
September  5th,  Lords'  day.     He  died  at  sea,  April  12th,  1851. 

1812.  June  18th,  the  United  States  declare  war  against  England.  Treaty 
of  Peace  was  concluded  at  Ghent,  December  24th,  1814.  Gen.  Jack- 
son's battle  at  New  Orleans  was  fought  January  8th,  1815. 

1814.    General  Missionary  Convention  of  the  Baptist  denomination  in  the 


132 

U.  S.  was  organized  at  First  Baptist  Church,  PIiiladelpMa,  Wedncsdajv 
May  18th. 

1815.  The  American  Education  Society  was  instituted. 

1816.  The  Second  U.  S.  Bank,  estabhshed  April  10th.  Gen.  Jackson  re- 
moved the  deposits  of  the  government  in  1835,  and  the  Bank  ceased 
in  a  short^time  to  exist. 

1816.    The  American  Bible  Society, was  instituted. 

1816.    The  Rhode  Island  Baptist  Education  Society  was  formed  Sejitember 

11th.     The  Massachusetts  Baptist  Education  Society  was  constituted 

in  1814. 

1819.  Christian  Watchman  first  pubhshed  May  19th. 

1820.  Jonathan  Maxcy  second  President  of  Brown  University  deceased 
June  4th,  aged  52  years.  He  was  born  September  12th,  1768.  He 
was  the  same  age  of  President  Manning,  his  predecessor. 

1820.  The  two  hundredth  anniversary  of  the  landing  of  the  Pilgrims  at 
Plymouth,  was  celebrated  at  Plymouth,  December  22d. 

1821.  Florida  was  ceded  by  Spain  to  the  United  States. 

1824.  The  American  Sunday  School  Union  was  established  in  Philadelphia, 
May  25th. 

1824.  Gen.  Lafayette  visits  the  United  States,  by  invitation  of  President 
Monroe,  and  lands  in  Kew  York  in  August.  He  was  at  Breeds  HOI 
June  17th,  1825.  He  returned  to  France,  Sept.  7th,  1825.  His  death 
occured  at  La  Grange,  France,  May  20th,  1834. 

1825.  The  Rhode  Island  Baptists  State  Convention  was  formed  Thursday, 
August  4th. 

1825.   Newton  Theological  Institution  was  founded  at  Newton,  Mass. 

1825.    The  Erie  Canal  was  completed. 

1825.    The  American  Temperance  Society  was  instituted. 

1827.  The  rails  at  Quincy,  were  the  first  rails  laid  in  the  United  States. 
Railways  are  of  ancient  date.  One  at  New  Castle,  in  England,  was 
constructed  in  16  76  ;  and  an  iron  railway  was  constructed  at  the  Shef- 
field Colliery  in  1776.  An  act  of  incorporation  was  granted  to  the 
Boston  and  Lowell  Railroad  Company  in  1830;  and  also  in  June 
1831,  to  each  of  the  respective  companies  of  the  Boston  and 
Worcester,  Boston  and  Taunton,  Boston  and  Providence.  And  sub- 
sequently to  the  New  Bedford  and  Taunton,  Providence  and  Stonlng- 
ton,  Providence  and  Worcester,  Fall  River  and  Boston,  Providence 
and  Fishkill,  Bristol  and  Providence,  Newport  and  Fall  River,  which 
last  is  now  in  the  hands  of  a  Committee,  appointed  at  a  city  gathering 
Dec.  17th,  1853. 

1830.    The  Northern  Baptist  Education  Society  was  formed  March  24th. 

1832.  The  American  Baptist  Home  JNIissIonary  Society  was  constituted  April 
27th.    Jonathan  Going  was  its  first  Corresponding  Secretary. 


133 

1832.  The  Ohio  Canal  was  completed. 

1833.  The  Kew  England  Sabbath  School  Union  was  established. 

1836.  Asa  Messer,  the  third  President  of  Brown  University,  died  at  his 
residence  in  Providence,  October  11th. 

1837.  The  American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  was  formed  April  27th, 
Thursday  evening. 

1837.    The  great  depression  of  Banks  took  place. 

1843.    Annals  of  Providence,  published  by  W.  R.  Staples. 

1846.    War  against  Mexico  was  declared  by  the  United  States,  March  11th. 

Treaty  of  peace  was  concluded  February  2d,  and  was  ratified  May 

30th,  1848. 
1852.    Henry  Clay  died  at  Washington  June  29th. 

1852.  Daniel  Webster,  died  at  Marshfield,  October  24th. 

1853.  Philip  Allen,  Governor  of  Rhode  Island,  was  elected  to  the  United 
States  Senate,  and  was  succeeded  in  the  gubernatorial  chair  by 
Francis  M.  Dimond  of  Bristol. 

1853.  The  loss  by  fire  in  New  York  from  October  1,  is  estimated  at  S4,- 
800,000  ;  insurance  $1,730,000.  Among  these  are  the  Harper's  build- 
ings, the  Metropolitan  Hall,  and  Lafarge  Hotel ;  the  latter  is  said  to 
have  been  the  finest  building  of  the  kind  in  the  United  States. 

1853.  The  steamer  San  Francisco  a  wreck  from  Dec.  21st  to  Jan.  5th,  1854, 
when  she  sunk — 200  lives  lost.  The  Great  Republic,  the  pride  of 
its  builder,  the  largest  vessel  ever  constructed,  in  one  hour  was  burnt 
level  with  the  water. 


SETTLEMENTS   OF   STATES. 
Date.  Names.  By  whom. 

1607, Virginia, English. 

1614, New  York, Dutch. 

1620, Massachusetts, English  Puritans. 

1623, New  Hampshire, "  " 

1G24, New  Jersey, Dutch. 

1627, Delaware,. Sweeds  and  Fins. 

1634, Maryland, Catholics. 

1635, Connecticut, English. 

1636 Rhode  Island, R.Williams.  Eng. 

1650, North  Carolina, English. 

1670, South  CaroUna, "         Tay   Co. 

1682, Pennsylvania,.- Penn.En.  Quaker. 

1 733, Georgia, Gen.  Oglethorpe. 

The  above  are  the  original  Thirteen  States. 


134 

States  admitted  into  the  Union  since  the  adoption  of  the  Federal  Constitu- 
tion in  1 788,  settled  mostly  by  emigrants  from  the  other  States. 

1791,  Vermont,  1817,  Mssissippi,                 1837,  Michigan, 

1792,  Kentucky,  1818,  Illinois,                        1845,  Florida, 
1796,  Tennessee,  1819,  Alabama,                   1845,  Texas, 
1802,  Ohio,  1820,  Maine,                         1846,  Iowa, 
1812,  Louisiana,  1821,  Missouri,                     1848,  Wisconsin, 
1816,  Indiana,  1836,  Arkansas,                  1850,  California. 

Pkesidents  of  Colonial  Congress. 
1744,  Peyton  Randoli^h,  1774,  Henry  Middleton. 


Presidents  of  Continental  Congress. 

1775,  John  Hancock,  1782,  Elias  Boudinot, 

1776,  John  Hancock,  1783,  Thomas  Mifflin, 

1777,  Henry  Lawrens,  1784,  Richard  Henry  Lee, 

1778,  John  Jay,  1785,  Richard  Henry  Lee, 

1779,  Samuel  Huntington,  1786,  Nathaniel  Gorham, 

1780,  Thomas  M'Kcan,  1787,  Arthur  St.  Clair, 

1781,  John  Hanson,  1788,  Cyrus  Griffin. 


1789,  George  Washington.     Re 
179  7,  John  Adams. 
1801,  Thomas  Jefferson. 
1809,  James  Madison. 
1817,  James  Monroe. 
1825,  John  Quincy  Adams. 
1829,  Andrew  Jackson. 
1837,  Martin  Van  Buren. 
1841,  William  Henry  Harrison. 
1841,  John  Tyler. 
1845,  James  K.  Polk. 

1849,  Zachary  Taylor. 

1850,  Millard  Fillmore.  "       March  4th,  1853. 
1853,  Franklin  Pierce.     Term  expires  March  4th,  1857. 

1853,  W.  R.  King,  Vice  President  of  the  United  States,  died  at  his  resi- 
dence in  Dallas  Co.,  Alabama,  April  18th,  1853. 


THE  United 

States. 

tired  1797. 

Deceased 

Dee.  14th,  1799. 

"       1801. 

(( 

July    4th,   1826. 

'<■        1809. 

(( 

July  4th,    1826. 

"        1817. 

(( 

June  28th,  1836. 

«        1825. 

<( 

July  4th,   1831. 

"        1829. 

u 

Feb.  23d,  1848. 

"        1837. 

(( 

June  8th,  1845. 

"        1841. 

4C 

April  4th,  1841. 

«        1845. 

"        1849. 

(( 

June  13th,  1849. 

(( 

July  10th,  1850. 

The  United  States  territory  began  to  be  settled  in  1607,  being  at  this  date 
247  years  ago.  The  New  England  territory  was  established  in  1620,  two  hun- 
dred and  thirty-four  years  since;  and  Rhode  Island  in  1636,  two  hundred 
and  eighteen  years  ago.  And  July  Ath,  1854,  the  United  States  will  have 
been  a  free  and  independent  nation  seventy-eight  years. 

The  population  of  the  United  States  in  1850  was,  23,263,488. 

The  valuation  of  the  United  States  in  1850  was,  $7,135,780,228. 


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